JOHOR BAHRU, March 1 – Vice President Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has warned Johor voters not to be influenced by political sentiment games that can determine the victory or defeat of a party in the Johor State Election (PRN).

Speaking to Bernama TV on the Suara Johor program recently, the former Johor Menteri Besar said the defeat of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th General Election was the best example of how sentiment could change voters’ perception of a political party.

Although Umno has hardcore voters, they are not exempted from the influence of slander and accusations, even heavenly promises that affect the hearts of hardcore voters.

“At that time, they voted according to sentiment, that’s why there were voters who did not go out to vote or vote for other parties, which caused BN to lose,” he said.

According to Khaled, the opposition parties used sentiment to incite hatred against BN and Umno leaders.

“Opposition parties have previously used sentiments to make the people hate BN leaders, they said the people should stand up and reject, the promise is not BN, but they do not want to show planning…. When you win, you’re busy thinking about what to do.

“We ask the people not to repeat the same mistakes,” he said.

In GE14, BN lost for the first time in its stronghold in Johor by winning only 19 of the 56 seats contested, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) with 36 state seats formed the new state government.