03/07/2026 06:48 PM

Johor Polls: Comprehensive, Detailed PH Manifesto Able To Challenge BN's Stability Narrative

By Hasnah Jusid

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 (Bernama) – Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) manifesto for the 16th Johor state election launched today is a strong and detailed offer capable of challenging Barisan Nasional’s (BN) administrative record and its narrative of stability.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UKM) Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty director Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the manifesto, themed “Johor For All” was comprehensive as it addressed bread-and-butter issues affecting the public, such as decent employment, affordable housing, a better quality of life, and a government with integrity.

“If a government addresses these four issues, it demonstrates a genuine commitment to achieving what any responsible government should strive for.

“These four themes are issues that people commonly face. I believe they resonate with the people of Johor and their hopes for better access to a higher standard of living,” he told Bernama.

He also noted that PH's proposals covering healthcare, housing, a youth fund, high-paying jobs and cross-border issues also appear realistic, particularly when viewed in the context of the Unity Government's track record at the federal level.

Mazlan added that several of the country's current economic indicators, including the strengthening of the ringgit, increased foreign investment and the country's trade performance, suggest that the government has the capacity to deliver on its promises.

“So I do not think this manifesto is merely a collection of empty promises, because its effectiveness has already been demonstrated at the federal government level,” he said.

Commenting on PH's ambitious targets, including healthcare protection, a RM500 million youth fund, 80,000 affordable homes, and 250,000 high-paying jobs, Mazlan said those figures were achievable if there is strong synergy between the state and federal governments.

While numerical targets of this scale may raise questions among voters, they can also inspire confidence if backed by effective governance and a sound delivery system, he added.

“If they (PH) are given the opportunity to govern the state, with cooperation between the state and federal governments, I think these goals can be achieved,” he said, explaining that that manifesto pledges with clearly defined targets also have the potential to appeal to undecided voters, who tend to assess governance, policy implementation and the impact of government programmes.

Fence sitters evaluate not only individual candidates but also whether they represent a coalition with a proven track record in governance and public service delivery.

“Manifesto promises are essentially part of a government's policies, programmes and plans to deliver for the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Department of Social Sciences at the Centre for General Studies and Co-curriculum Department senior lecturer, Dr Nazreena Mohammed Yasin described the 'Johor for All' manifesto as comprehensive, offering an inclusive vision for both economic and social development.

She said its emphasis on high-paying jobs, housing, public well-being and integrity in governance demonstrates that the manifesto prioritises the people's interests but stressed that the strength of a manifesto is measured not only by its content but also by the extent to which voters believe a political party is capable of delivering on its promises.

“In Johor, BN has the advantage of being the incumbent state government, with a long-established narrative of administrative stability and a proven record of policy implementation,” she said, noting that PH could succeed in challenging BN’s narrative if it could convince voters that its proposals were not merely aspirations, but backed by clear implementation plans, adequate financial resources and realistic timelines.

Nazreena also said Johor voters would also be likely attracted to PH’s proposals about high-paying jobs and cross-border initiatives due to the state's close economic ties with Singapore.

Efforts to reduce border waiting times by up to 50 per cent and strengthen public transport integration are expected to have a direct impact on cross-border workers and the state's economic activity, while aiming to create 250,000 high-paying jobs in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and other high-value industries would also be appealing, particularly to young people.

Johor voters will cast their ballots on July 11, and early voting has been set for July 7.

-- BERNAMA

 

 

 

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