By-elections: Voters can stop Pas from winning more seats in Johor - Zahid

MUAR - Voters in the Pulai Parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat by-election can play a role in stopping more Pas representatives in Johor.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this can be achieved if voters in the two areas make the right decision in the upcoming by-elections.

"Enough with Pas having one representative in the Maharani state seat while Bersatu has two in Bukit Kepong and Endau.

"Pas is now sharpened and always prepared to stab us in the back because Umno experienced the same scenario in the opposition bloc previously.

"The fact is, currently Bersatu is the vehicle for Pas to gain success, winning with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) ticket," he said.

He said this after meeting the BN election machinery here at the Bakri Umno Division Office, Muar, on Saturday.

For the record, the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections were held due to the sudden death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, on July 24.

Zahid, who was the Umno president, said Johor was a mainstay of the unity government, and it must be defended not to be a part of them (Pas).

He said that despite Simpang Jeram representing a Pas stronghold, the area had been under the leadership of Amanah representatives for two terms.

Zahid stated the advantage was now seen on the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Amanah candidate to continue defending the Simpang Jeram state seat in the by-election.

"I’m confident that the advantages for the candidate from Amanah (Nazri) and the (Simpang Jeram) seat would remain, especially with the assistance of the BN machinery that will mobilise together throughout the campaign period.

"All BN machinery in both by-elections must stand united with the candidate to mobilise and meet voters," he said.