Pulai, Simpang Jeram by-elections, test for PH-BN pact

JOHOR BAHRU - The battle is on for Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in their quest to woo voters in the by-elections involving the Pulai parliamentary constituency and the Simpang Jeram state seat in Johor following the nomination today.

The presence of the ‘generals’ from the competing parties during the nomination process is an indication that the campaign trail will be intense ahead of the polling day on Sept 9.

On the PH-BN front, the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also BN chairman and UMNO president, as well as Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, could be the boost that the PH candidate for the Pulai parliamentary constituency, Suhaizan Kaiat needs to win the seat. The seat was left vacant by the incumbent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub who passed away on July 23.

Also accompanying Suhaizan during the nomination were Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Supreme Council member, who is also former Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, dispelling claims that the PH candidate was rejected by state BN leaders.

In Muar, Umno Supreme Council member and Johor Chief Minister, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi extended support to the PH candidate for the Simpang Jeram state seat, Nazri Abdul Rahman, along with Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice presidents Adly Zahar and Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa as well as Bakri MP Tan Hong Pin.

Meanwhile, PN leaders namely its secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu were seen accompanying PN candidates Zulkifli Jaafar (Pulai) and Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya (Simpang Jeram) at the nomination centre.

Also present were Bersatu vice presidents Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin as well as PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

According to a political analyst, Dr Che Hamdan Che Mohd Razali, PN will want to capitalise on its momentum during the recent state election involving six states to prove that the wave that they talk about can reach Johor, while it is a battle to defend honour for PH-BN.

"PH-BN must work hard (because) a by-election involves not only local machinery but it's a nationwide effort. They can’t take this lightly and they must win with a larger majority.

"This is to prove that even though during the recent state election many seats were taken by PN, in Johor, PH-BN can remain influential with a significant majority, especially since this is the first time that both coalitions join forces in the state,” he told Bernama when contacted, here.

The senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Pahang Universiti Teknologi Mara said Onn Hafiz’s role in the Johor Umno machinery is important to woo voters.

"The Menteri Besar’s ability has yet to be tested as he was not the poster boy during the Johor state election in March last year,” he said, adding that he must explain the state government’s initiatives during the campaign trail so that the people’s acceptance of the administration and contributions of the Johor government can be translated into votes for the PH candidates.

It is a three-cornered fight in both seats as independent candidates Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi and S. Jegananthan are also contesting the Pulai and Simpang Jeram seats respectively.

According to the Election Commission data, Pulai has 166,653 voters while Simpang Jeram has 40,379 voters. - BERNAMA