Johor polls unlikely to be free of mudslinging, analysts say

Johor polls unlikely to be free of mudslinging, analysts say


5 hours ago
Dineskumar Ragu


Bread-and-butter issues will dominate the state election, but some parties will not resist resorting to personal attacks

The Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for elections within 60 days. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Personal attacks and mudslinging are likely to remain fixtures of the coming Johor state election campaign, with political analysts saying such tactics are simply too effective for parties to abandon.

Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri.


Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said parties remain addicted to personal attacks because they work, even though voters want substantive debates on socio-economic issues such as corruption, youth employment and the cost of living.

“These are policy issues begging for solutions. Yet, in practice, parties weaponise scandals because it is cheaper, faster, and more viral. A TikTok clip mocking a rival’s misstep can reach millions overnight, while a detailed manifesto on fiscal reform barely trends,” he told FMT.

Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia said rank-and-file members would engage in personal attacks and mudslinging regardless of what party leaders say.

Azmil Tayeb.

“They (parties) have been demonising each other for a long time, and to think civility will suddenly appear is wishful thinking,” he said.

The analysts’ remarks come after Perikatan Nasional chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar urged all PN component parties to run a clean campaign in Johor, avoiding provocation, hate politics and divisiveness.

Samsuri said the election was not merely a political contest but an opportunity to outline solutions to key issues such as the cost of living, unemployment and administrative integrity.

The Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for elections within 60 days.

With the state becoming a leading destination for foreign investment, and a key gateway for trade with Singapore, contesting parties would find it difficult to sidestep economic and bread-and-butter issues, said Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara.

He said parties were likely to campaign on the state’s economic and infrastructure development. More localised grievances, such as congestion on the Causeway, could also feature on the campaign trail, he said.

Azmi Hassan.


“I think it’s good that Johor is the first state election before the general election, because it could pave the way on how campaigns should be conducted,” Azmi told FMT.

Azmil said the rising cost of living would dominate the campaign, with Barisan Nasional expected to highlight the state government’s track record in managing such pressures.

He also predicted familiar distancing tactics between state and federal campaigns. “Parties will say that Johor politics is unique and not comparable to other states, particularly in how they take care of their people,” he said, noting that it would echo a pattern seen in the Sabah election last November,