KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leaders have run out of ideas and are fixated on non-issues, said Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Titiwangsa parliamentary seat Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He described the "one vote for BN candidates is a vote for Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to be prime minister" narrative by Pakatan Harapan (PH) as absurd.
Johari also questioned opposition leaders' ability to lead the nation if they are focused on non-issues rather than offering solutions to the people's problems.
"This is a game by those who have run out of ideas.
"If they're saying that a vote for me is a vote to let Zahid become the prime minister, it means I am above him (Zahid). It is as if whoever wants to be prime minister must ensure my victory. What is this?
"If a company is bankrupt, we can shut it down. But what happens when you are bankrupt of ideas? How can you be a leader in that case?
"When we choose the wrong leaders, it is the people in that area who have to face the problems," he said when meeting Kampung Pindah residents here today.
Recently, his opponent at the Titiwangsa constituency, Khalid Samad of PH, asked Johari about his choice for prime minister since the speculation was that it would be Zahid rather than Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Saying the notion was preposterous, Johari told residents that he preferred to find solutions to problems rather than make empty promises.
The former second finance minister, who won the Titiwangsa seat in the 2013 election but lost it in the next one in 2018, hoped to return to the constituency to serve its residents.
He also appealed to voters to make a smart decision in the 15th General Election (GE15) to ensure their well-being and future.
"For those who are unable to find leaders who can resolve problems with developers, they will be lied to again with countless false hopes.
"Actually, if we really want to be a leader, you don't need too long a time (to make a difference). You just need 100 days to (fulfil promises)."
Johari said he was delighted to see the positive response from Titiwangsa residents in the last nine days.
"I would like to ask those residing outside (who will be returning to vote) to not let sentiment cloud their judgment.
"They must remember that their votes will affect the livelihoods of those staying here."
The Titiwangsa parliamentary constituency will see a four-cornered contest between Johari, Khalid, Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) and Dr Rosni Adam (Perikatan Nasional).
Malaysians will go to the polls on Nov 19 and early voting is on Nov 15.