Johor Pakatan, BN seek to attract 60% of young voters in Pulai, Simpang Jeram

JOHOR BARU: The youth wings of Johor Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional want at least 60% of young voters to turn up in the upcoming Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.

Johor Pakatan Youth chief Muhammad Taqiuddin Cheman said young voters, who are 40 years old and below, play a pivotal role in the by-elections as they make up more than half of the population in the two areas.

“We know that it is not easy to attract voters to vote in any by-election or state election.

“If we can get at least 60% of the young voters to come out and vote on that day, I believe we will have a good chance of winning.

“We hope to work closely with Barisan to ensure that our candidates in both seats are able to win the elections,” he said.

He said this in a press conference during a Pakatan-Barisan Youth meeting here on Saturday (Aug 19) evening.

Meanwhile, Johor Barisan Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros said the coalition will give its fullest support and cooperation in making sure Pakatan’s candidates retain the two seats.

“We have worked together in the recently concluded state elections but this will be the first time we are doing so in Johor.

“We want to translate the spirit of unity in the way we work and strategy in this by-elections.

“Although the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub was able to win the two seats effectively in the previous elections, we know that it will still be a challenge for us to retain it this time around,” he said.

He said the meeting between the youth wings was to come up with strategies in attracting young voters to vote.

The by-elections in the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats were called following the passing of Salahuddin on July 23. He died due to a brain haemorrhage at the age of 61.

Salahuddin was Parti Amanah Negara deputy president and had served as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.

The Election Commission has set Aug 26 for nomination day, Sept 5 for early voting and Sept 9 for polling day.