A successful takeover of Johor by Pakatan Harapan in the 14th general election could see the possible return of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as menteri besar candidate.
Bersatu central committee member Rais Hussin said the "Muhyiddin factor" was among reasons his party has been allocated the lion's share of state seats in Johor.
"As you know Johor is (one of) the lead states for Bersatu.
"So logically we should take the leadership role. Just like in Selangor with PKR, and in Penang with the DAP," the Bersatu strategy and policy bureau chieft old a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
"Having said that we also have to remember the Muhyiddin factor, he is president of Bersatu.
"Don't forget that Muhyiddin today has not laid any claims to any position. He has been magnanimous enough to look at the bigger picture," he said, when asked to comment on his party's allocation of 18 of the 56 Johor state seats.
It was previously speculated that the bulk of Johor state seats would be contested by Amanah.
Rais (photo) further pointed out that Muhyiddin – in particular, the influence he wields as former deputy prime minister and seven-term Pagoh MP – has also been working behind the scenes as Harapan's central elections director.
Pressed whether Muhyiddin's move to not claim any central executive position is a sign of his intention to return as Johor menteri besar, Rais said: "All that will be discussed in the future when we win, not if we win."
"As all of you know, the states have been apportioned to (Harapan) parties to take the lead. Bersatu is leading Johor, Perak, Perlis and Kedah, so it is only logical that we contest in the most number of (state) seats.
"The list which has been spread around, however, is a leaked one," he said, adding that the final announcement would only be made by Harapan's presidential council.
Overall, Rais said negotiations were concluded after taking into consideration the strength of each component party, and its ability to win seats.
On Saturday, Malaysiakini quoted Harapan sources who confirmed that the Johor seat allocations were finalised on Jan 18 - with Bersatu contesting in 18 seats, DAP in 14 seats, and PKR and Amanah getting 12 seats each.
Analyst Wan Saiful Wan Jan had previously said that winning Johor could make or break Bersatu, as without an anchor state, it may have a short lifespan like other Umno offshoots, such as Semangat 46.- Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.