JOHOR BAHRU - Component party members from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN are expected to have no issues voting for candidates presented by their respective parties in the upcoming state polls in six states.
Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub denied there were internal issues among party members at the grassroot level; instead, he insisted that they would give their support and votes to candidates under the Unity government coalition.
"This is the norm for any political party that forms a coalition.
"PH supporters have no problems voting for BN candidates in the state election, and BN supporters also expressed the same support.
"I don’t see any internal problems between PH and BN for us to ensure the state election in six states runs smoothly; I believe we will be able to work well together," he said when asked whether members at the grassroot level of the two coalitions would choose candidates other than their party members.
He was met at the Pulai MP Eid Open House event in Taman Uda Utama, Tampoi, here on Saturday.
Also present were State Government Secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, and Johor Police Chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat.
It was reported that Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan was urging Umno voters to choose a candidate from the unity government in the state elections regardless of which party they are from, including DAP.
He said this should be done in the name of the unity government and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s orders, who want to see political stability in the country.
"We hope the votes from PH supporters can be translated into support for BN, and that way PH candidates could gain votes from BN members.
"I have stated several times in a coalition such as this, when the leadership has set their stand members should follow and vote who we decide on," he said.
When asked about the rumours of a fight between Amanah and BN in Selangor nearing the state elections, Salahuddin dismissed such rumours.
"If such issues appear, we hope the party supporters can gain information from the top leadership of their respective parties," he said.