Fahmi Defends Timing of PH Johor Manifesto Launch

BATU PAHAT, July 4 (Bernama) — Pakatan Harapan (PH) Communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil maintained that the coalition’s ‘Johor for All’ manifesto for the Johor state election was launched at the correct time, following the finalisation and endorsement of its contents by the coalition’s top leadership.

Fahmi, who also serves as the Communications Minister, dismissed former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming’s view that the delayed launch could weaken PH’s campaign machinery, calling it far removed from reality.

“For PH, we chose to launch it only after we were satisfied that the manifesto’s content was comprehensive and had received the approval of the coalition’s top leadership, including the Prime Minister.

“I believe the manifesto was launched at the right time, on Friday, which marked the start of the second week of campaigning. After introducing our candidates, both sides are now presenting their respective manifestos. I think the timing was appropriate. It is not an issue,” he told reporters after a meet-the-people programme at Kampung Istana here today.

Fahmi made these remarks in response to Ong’s prediction that Barisan Nasional (BN) would secure a landslide victory in the Johor State Election. Ong had claimed that PH was on the back foot due to the lack of a strong campaign narrative, its failure to name a menteri besar candidate, the absence of senior leaders contesting, and the delayed launch of the manifesto. Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and PH candidate for the Penggaram state seat, Felicia Poh Rui Ling, were also present at the event.

Regarding former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin’s claim that the PH manifesto was a “copy and paste” version of the BN manifesto, Fahmi noted that Khairy appeared to be campaigning more actively than Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

“I see Khairy Jamaluddin campaigning more vigorously than Onn Hafiz. Perhaps Khairy Jamaluddin is even ready to debate Maszlee Malik (PH candidate for the Puteri Wangsa state seat).

“It would be good if Onn Hafiz had Khairy Jamaluddin’s capability and stature. Perhaps Khairy Jamaluddin’s spirit should be ‘copied and pasted’ to Onn Hafiz,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi expressed confidence that issues involving DAP, including social media allegations regarding a party leader’s support for the pardon of a former prime minister, would not impact PH’s campaign momentum. He attributed his confidence to the strong grassroots response and support at every PH event he attended during the campaign.

“If we look at the turnout at PH events, including those I attended over the past few days, the response and grassroots support have been very strong and solid.

“The PH candidate for the Bentayan state seat (Ng Yak Howe) is also from DAP. I believe statements such as those made by Marina have had no impact,” he said.

Previously, former Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim stated in a social media post that she had retired from politics due to disillusionment with what she described as the “charade” of DAP leaders over the pardon issue of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The 16th Johor State Election will feature 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with early voting scheduled for July 7 and polling day set for July 11.