JOHOR BARU: Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in the Johor state election is an unexpected result, says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He expressed his thanks that Barisan was once more given the trust to lead the Johor government again and reminded the party not to be arrogant following the result.

“Our victory is a gift to all Johoreans who gave us their support and hope it will continue to the upcoming general election,” he said in his speech at the Johor Umno headquarters here.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president said that he would put forward Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad’s name and present it to Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

“God willing, after getting consent from His Highness, Hasni will continue to be the Johor Mentri Besar.

“Barisan will continue to give utmost support to Hasni in carrying out our pledges in the Ikhtiar BN Johor to the people,” he added.

Zahid also thanked all Barisan leaders including component party presidents such as MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.

He paid tribute to Barisan advisory board chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was the campaign manager in the Johor election, and the party’s machinery.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the comfortable win will ensure Johoreans’ peace and harmony for the next five years.

“With the help of all, we managed to wrest back Johor from Pakatan Harapan which won in the 14th general election,” he said.

Meanwhile, MCA delivered four seats with a handsome majority in Yong Peng, Paloh, Bekok and Pekan Nanas.

Earlier, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong could not contain his joy when Barisan candidate Ling Tian Soon won in Yong Peng.

”I feel extremely moved at this moment, as Tian Soon has won the Yong Peng state seat.

”His hard work finally pays off,” he said.

Dr Wee also shared the happy moments when Tan Eng Meng captured the Pekan Nanas state seat with a bigger majority than the last general election.

”I’m thankful to the Pekan Nanas voters. ‘The team of (Tanjung Piai MP) Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng and Eng Meng have indeed worked hard,” he said.

Dr Wee also lauded political greenhorn Lee Ting Han, who won the Paloh state seat in his first attempt, and called on the young leader to work harder for the people.

In Yong Peng, MCA’s Ling Tian Soon won with a 2,741 majority in a three-cornered fight, while in Bekok, Tan Chong clinched a 3,569 majority against three other rivals.

In Pekan Nanas, Tan Eng Meng won with a 5,248 majority in a four-way battle while in Paloh, MCA’s Lee Ting Han won with a 3,176 majority against three other candidates.