No guarantee state election wins will translate to GE16 victory, says Zahid

Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cautioned the coalition against becoming complacent following their victories in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Zahid emphasized that the coalition cannot assume voters will remain loyal to them, as they may change their choices in a general election based on various factors like candidates, government performance, local issues, and economic conditions.

The former UMNO president noted that this shift was particularly evident among young voters, who have shown a return to the BN in recent polls. However, Zahid cautioned that the youth vote cannot be taken for granted, and the coalition must provide a reason for young voters to believe in the future they want to build. Similarly, Zahid urged caution regarding Malay, Chinese, and Indian voters, warning the coalition against overestimating their support and risking losing their trust if the BN fails or becomes complacent.

The BN secured 48 of the 56 seats in Johor and 25 of the 36 seats in Negeri Sembilan, which were secured in a pact with the Pakatan Nasional (PN) coalition.