TANGKAK: Barisan Nasional is seeing signs of growing support among Chinese voters ahead of the Johor state election, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the coalition’s internal assessments, based on polling district centres and voting streams, pointed to encouraging momentum, especially in constituencies with sizeable Chinese electorates where Barisan has fielded non-­Umno candidates.

“We have fielded many underdog candidates in constituencies with a large Chinese electorate.

“Based on our observations and studies, the support has increased,” he told reporters after mingling with residents at the Tangkak Foodcourt here yesterday.

He also said that feedback received by the coalition indicated that some Chinese voters felt their previous representatives had not met their expectations and were now willing to give Barisan’s MCA and MIC candidates a chance to serve.

Ahmad Zahid said Barisan is fielding 37 Umno candidates, 15 MCA candidates and 14 MIC candidates in the Johor election, expressing hope that the encouraging momentum would continue until polling day on July 11.

The meet-and-greet was held amid heavy rain that lashed Tangkak town.

The downpour did little to dampen the lively atmosphere at the food court, where Ahmad Zahid spent time greeting diners and chatting with residents.

Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and Tangkak Barisan candidate Datuk Haw Chin Teck, as well as other Barisan leaders and supporters.

Asked whether a convincing Barisan victory in Johor would strengthen calls for a pardon for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Ahmad Zahid dismissed the suggestion.

“It has nothing to do with the Johor election. That is the prero­gative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“It is not an issue in the Johor state election,” he said.

On remarks by PAS leaders calling on voters to support Barisan’s MCA and MIC candidates, Ahmad Zahid welcomed the endorsement but stressed that it should not be construed as an electoral pact between Umno and PAS.

“We appreciate the support from the PAS leadership,” Ahmad Zahid said.

“However, we do not regard it as evidence of any pact or cooperation that has been or will be forged between Umno and PAS.

“We respect their position and hope the support will truly be reflected when the ballot boxes are opened on July 11.”