By-elections: Candidates start executing strategies as campaign period begins

After the nominations ended on Saturday (Aug 26) at 10 am, candidates for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections wasted no time and started implementing their campaign strategies. Suhaizan Kaiat, contesting under a Pakatan Harapan ticket and Johor Amanah vice-chairman, plans to use the 14-day campaign period to connect with the people and understand their concerns, aiming to secure a victory on September 9. Suhaizan, a seven-time candidate, expressed confidence in the strength of the Pakatan-Barisan Nasional machinery and believes it can help retain the seats previously held by the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

Suhaizan said, “This time around I am more inspired and confident (to win). God-willing it will become a reality through the ballot papers on Sept 9. We (Pakatan-Barisan) have never campaigned together in two big groups, this is the first time, especially facing this by-election in Johor.” The Pulai parliamentary by-election will be a three-way contest between Suhaizan, Perikatan Nasional’s Zulkifli Jaafar, and Independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi.

On the other hand, Zulkifli Jaafar, who is contesting under the Perikatan ticket, intends to uphold his name, his party, and the legacy of his mentor, the late Datuk Osman Sapian, Johor’s 16th Menteri Besar. Zulkifli, the Pulai Bersatu deputy chief and businessman, aims to leverage his logistics and transport business experience to enhance the standard of living through commercial means. He also plans to address neglected issues in Pulai and emphasize the well-being of the people.

Independent candidate Samsudin, adopting the same ‘key’ symbol used in the 15th General Election for the Putrajaya parliamentary seat, is determined to give voice to the people regarding issues such as the rising cost of living and corruption. The Election Commission (EC) returning officer, Miswan Yunus, announced the list of candidates for the Pulai parliamentary by-election.

In the Simpang Jeram by-election, there will also be a three-cornered battle among Bakri Amanah deputy chief Nazri Abdul Rahman, Perikatan candidate Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya, who is a PAS central committee member, and Independent candidate businessman S. Jeganathan. Nazri, who worked alongside the late Salahuddin, aims for a clean and harmonious campaign without focusing on any 3R issues. Dr Mohd Mazri expressed hope for a healthy campaign and gave praise to the EC for the smooth nomination process.

Independent candidate Jeganathan, represented by the ‘elephant’ logo, shares the aspiration for a campaign free from any 3R-related issues that could potentially disrupt racial harmony. The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats were vacated after the sudden demise of incumbent Salahuddin, who was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, on July 23. Polling day for the by-elections is set for September 9, with early voting on September 5. According to EC data, there are 166,653 eligible voters in the Pulai parliamentary constituency and 40,379 voters in the Simpang Jeram state constituency – Bernama.