Nga moots waiving toll fees for Johor polls

PETALING JAYA: DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming has suggested that the government waive toll fees on all highways across the country ahead of the Johor state election on July 11.

He suggested waiving the charges on July 10 and 11 to help Johoreans across the country return to cast their ballots, China Press reported.

Nga, the housing and local government minister, said he will raise the proposal with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when the Cabinet meets this Wednesday.

He warned that PAS’s call on supporters to back Barisan Nasional in seats not contested by Perikatan Nasional risked giving BN a major victory.

He added that BN had already undermined democracy in Johor by pushing through a bill to introduce appointed assemblymen in the state legislature.

“I want to urge the Chinese community nationwide to remain vigilant, be aware of the challenges ahead, and fully mobilise to vote for Pakatan Harapan in order to safeguard democracy.

“At this critical juncture, everyone should return home to vote on July 11. Your vote will determine both your future and the country’s future,” he reportedly said at a dinner in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh, to celebrate DAP’s 60th anniversary.

Nga also warned against Chinese voters being divided and backing MCA, saying the community’s population had been declining and is projected to drop to 13.8% of the country’s demographic by 2050.

Splitting the community’s votes would ultimately mean losing political influence, he added.

“As long as everyone comes out to vote and the Chinese community remains united, we can continue to play the role of a decisive minority.

“This is especially true in states like Perak and Johor, where non-Malay communities make up between 46% and 48% of the electorate. If Chinese and Indian voters unite with a common purpose, every vote will carry weight,” said Nga.