Johor state election: BN-PAS political cooperation to be studied

JOHOR BAHRU: Political cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS in the Johor State Election will be carefully studied, says Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Mohamad, who is also UMNO deputy president, however. said that so far, the majority of the leaders at the grassroots and divisional levels wanted BN to go for this state election alone.

"However, the top-level leadership will carefully study the matter before making whatever decision that is good for BN," he said at a news conference at the Johor UMNO building, here, today.

Earlier, Mohamed attended a meeting between BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNO president, and the Johor MCA and MIC.

Last Monday, Johor PAS commissioner, Abdullah Husin was reportedly trying to meet with the state UMNO leaders soon to discuss the understanding between both parties in facing the state election based on the Muafakat Nasional (MN) spirit.-- MORE

Asked on whether the many political parties contesting in the Johor State Election would be advantageous or otherwise for BM, Mohamad said "the more the merrier".

"We have not reached the stage of discussing the candidates as this should be done in the best possible manner. The important thing for us is to find the best formula to convince the voters in Johor to give the mandate again to BN," he added.

On the meeting with the BN chairman, Mohamad said the integrated operation of the BN election machinery in the Johor State Election would be vital to achieve victory in this election.

"In any election, the work process and focus are very important so that everyone knows what needs to be done and there should be no confusion among them.

"Cooperation among the component parties is part of the good election work in BN. With this, I believe we can achieve victory," he added.

-- BERNAMA