JOHOR BARU (May 2, 2013): Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (pix) says the state Barisan Nasional (BN) is facing a greater challenge than the 2008 political tsunami and admits that Chinese votes are crucial.
He pointed out that Johor BN remained standing after the 2008 "tsunami", losing just one parliamentary and six state seats.
But a lot of things have happened since then and national issues have a bearing on Johor in this election, he said in an interview with China Press.
"Will the support of the Chinese for BN remain unchanged? Or will it increase or decrease? This (how they vote) will determine the outcome of the election in the state," he said in the interview.
Abdul Ghani, who is involved in a straight fight with DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang in the Gelang Patah parliamentary constituency, noted the big crowds that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) ceramahs are attracting, and said the tendency for the Chinese to cast a vote based on emotions has reached an unhealthy state.
"To the extent that people who praise Barisan in coffee shops can get cursed," he lamented.
He felt that the strong actions and emotions of some Chinese voters run counter to the moderate society ideology practised in the state.
Stressed that no government is perfect, Abdul Ghani admitted that there were indeed shortcomings in the last half century of the ruling coalition's governance.
He said improvements have constantly been made, but PR had been harping on issues in the last five years to stoke anger among the Chinese in an attempt to topple the BN government.
"Pakatan is good at playing up sensitive issues to hit out at Barisan, to incite voters and turn them away from BN."
Abdul Ghani hoped that Chinese voters would consider carefully and decide whether BN or PR could bring peace, harmony and prosperity to the society.
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