Muda to support Amanah candidates in by-elections

JOHOR BARU: Muda, accused of splitting votes in the recent state polls, has decided to support the Amanah candidates instead of fielding their own candidates for the upcoming Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.

The political bureau of Muda made the decision to not stand out of respect for the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was the elected representative for both the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats.

In a statement, the party expressed gratitude for Salahuddin’s contributions, both to his friends and to the country.

“Muda would like to wish good luck to those who will be contesting, especially Amanah. May Salahuddin’s legacy continue,” the statement said.

Azrol Rahani, the chief of Johor Muda, confirmed that the state Muda will be supporting the two Amanah candidates in the upcoming by-elections.

He also expressed respect for Salahuddin, acknowledging his instrumental role and valuable advice during the establishment of Muda in Johor.

Muda participated in the Johor state election in March last year and won one out of seven seats, the Puteri Wangsa seat, through their deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.

In the 15th General Election in November last year, Muda contested six parliamentary seats, and only their president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman successfully defended the Muar seat.

In the recently concluded six state elections, Muda contested 19 seats but failed to win any, resulting in the loss of deposits for all their candidates.

Last Saturday, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that former Johor state speaker Suhaizan Kaiat would be contesting in Pulai, while Bakri Amanah deputy chief Nazri Abdul Rahman would compete for the Simpang Jeram state seat.

The by-elections will have their nomination day on Aug 26, with polling scheduled for Sept 9 and early voting on Sept 5.

Salahuddin, who held both seats, passed away on July 23 at the age of 61 due to a brain haemorrhage. He served as the Amanah deputy president and was the former Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.