Veteran journalist A Kadir Jasin expects the outcome of yesterday’s Johor polls, which saw Barisan Nasional romping to a major victory, to affect when the next general election (GE16) would be held.
Kadir said a BN victory was always expected while the Umno-led coalition’s decision to go solo despite being federal allies with Pakatan Harapan proved effective.
He said another key factor that bolstered Umno‘s standing was welcoming back previously sanctioned leaders, including Hishammuddin Hussein, who has been an MP in Johor since 1995.
Kadir also said the Madani government’s “lifeline” to Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was appointed deputy prime minister at the unity government’s formation, has massively benefitted the BN chairman and Umno president.
“Although (PH chairman) Anwar Ibrahim managed to become prime minister with the help of his ‘student’ (Zahid), the student has now turned into Anwar‘s number one threat.
“This may affect Anwar‘s position as prime minister and influence the timing of GE16,” he said in a Facebook post.
BN won 48 of the 56 seats up for grabs in the Johor assembly while PH took the remaining eight. Both coalitions are allies in the federal government.
