JOHOR BARU: At least 30% of Johoreans will not be able to cast their votes if the state election was held now as they are mostly working in Singapore where the border has not been reopened, says state Pakatan Harapan chief Aminolhuda Hassan.

       He estimated that many voters would miss out if an election was called before the reopening of borders, especially that between Malaysia and Singapore.

       Aminolhuda, who is also state Parti Amanah Negara chairman, cited factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, floods and unemployment as well.

       “Voter turnout may be low if we have an election at a time when the people are not ready and are facing other more urgent situations.

       “For the sake of the people, we hope that the state assembly will not be dissolved yet,” he said when contacted.

       The Parit Yaani assemblyman said it would be best for the state election to be carried out after the current term ends next year.

       “Johor Pakatan has always been supportive of the state government despite it having only a two-seat majority previously and a one-seat majority now,” he added.

       Speculation on the polls has been ongoing since the death of Bersatu assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian last month.

       At present, the state assembly is made up of Barisan Nasional comprising Umno (14 seats) and MIC (two); Perikatan Nasional consisting of Bersatu (12 including one deceased) and PAS (one); while Pakatan has DAP (14), PKR (seven) and Amanah (six).

       Despite its reluctance for a state election, Johor Pakatan has stepped up its preparations for the possibility.

       Johor PKR deputy chief Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said Johor Pakatan had been making the necessary preparations including discussing seat allocations among its component parties.

       “We have been constantly saying that this is not the appropriate time for state polls as the priority should be about tackling the economy and threats from the Omicron variant (of Covid-19).

       “A one-seat majority is still a majority,” he said.

       He added that the rakyat wanted less politicking.

       “Regardless, we are stepping up our preparations if an election is to be held,” said Puah, who is the Bukit Batu assemblyman.