Khaled: We will remain strong

Khaled: Barisan will not give up easily, state will remain our strong bastion

‘Opposition can’t wrest Johor from BN’

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Barisan Nasional will always remain strong and claims by the Opposition parties that they can win the state in the next general election is just wishful thinking, says state Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the claims, particularly by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, that it could conquer Johor in the 14th general election was just to lift the morale of its supporters.

“All Opposition parties will make the same kind of statements,” he told reporters at the opening of the RM120mil Senai Airport City diamond interchange by MMC Corporation Bhd here yesterday.

During his speech at a ceramah in Pagoh on Friday, Pribumi chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed his party would wrest Johor from Barisan and Umno.

Khaled, who is Johor Mentri Besar, said Dr Mahathir made such claims to pacify Pribumi supporters and to show the people that Opposition parties were strong.

“We will not give up easily and will go all out to ensure Barisan remains in power in Johor. Johor will remain Umno’s strong bastion,’’ Khaled said.

He added that the voters could judge the state government’s proven track record in delivering its promises to the people.

“Johoreans can see for themselves what we have done for the state. It is not rhetoric and you can see the results on the ground,’’ he added.

He also said the Johor Barisan candidates for the next general election would be those who could win and were popular with the people.

On a separate matter, Khaled hoped the Federal Government would allocate financial assistance under Budget 2017 to solve water woes and improve the public transportation system in Johor.

“We have outlined a master plan on water management to ensure that Johor would have a sufficient supply in the long term,’’ he said.

Khaled said a study of water resources for the state from 2010 until 2060 had been completed and its recommendations would be implemented next year.