“The Johor Model”: The Tanjung Piai By-Election Experience

MALAYSIA STUDIES PROGRAMME SEMINAR

About the Seminar

Following its defeat in the 2018 General Election, Barisan Nasional (BN) lost a further four by-elections that year. However, in 2019, the tide turned for the former ruling coalition, as it proceeded to win four by-elections in Peninsular Malaysia, namely: Cameron Highlands; Rantau; Semenyih; and, most significantly, Tanjung Piai in Johor. 

The victory in Johor was unanticipated by many, especially the resounding majority delivered to the Barisan Nasional candidate, Wee Jeck Seng. Beyond securing 15,000 votes more than the Pakatan Harapan nominee, the BN candidate enjoyed the support of the constituency’s various communities. At a time when Malay-Muslim populism was at its height, and with BN’s 2018 defeat as a back-drop, the Tanjung Piai by-election can be seen as a stern message from the electorate in the age of “Malaysia Baru”.

Drawing from his experience leading Barisan Nasional’s by-election effort in Tanjung Piai, Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohammad will explain the “Johor Model” of campaigning. He will also share his insights for reclaiming Johor in future elections – a state that is the birthplace of UMNO and once perceived as an impregnable fortress for Barisan Nasional.

About the Speaker

Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohammad is the Johor UMNO Liaison Committee Chairman and was the BN by-election Director. He served as a Member of Parliament for Pontian (2004-2008). Datuk Hasni has been a member of the Johor State Legislative Assembly for the Benut constituency since 2008 and held the Public Works, Rural and Regional Development portfolio in the Johor State Executive Council. Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohammad was educated at the University of Missouri, and had a career as an engineer in the corporate sector before politics. 

For registration, please click on this link. Registration closes on 14 February 2020.