No repeat of Perikatan 'wave' in Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections, says Mat Sabu

Perikatan Nasional is not expected to see an increase in Malay votes in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections, unlike in the recent state elections, according to Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, president of Amanah. He expressed confidence that voters in both areas would support the unity government’s candidates. Mohamad Sabu added that Amanah would collaborate with allies in Pakatan and its new friends, Umno and Barisan Nasional, to ensure the victory of their candidates. He stated, “We are confident of seeing an increase in votes as both Pulai and Simpang Jeram are not pro-Perikatan areas but pro-Pakatan and Barisan.”

Mohamad Sabu declined to comment on the supposed “green wave” coming to Johor, stating that their priority was to focus on their own strengths. He also emphasized that the two by-elections should not be interpreted as a people’s referendum but rather as part of the democratic process. He mentioned, “In addition, the momentum of our machinery is also in good condition, it can be seen in this press conference where representatives of all the parties in the unity government are also present – DAP is here, PKR is here, Umno and Barisan are here.”

Meanwhile, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Pulai Umno division chief, stated that Malays in Johor would not be influenced by Perikatan’s green wave. He attributed this to PAS, one of Perikatan’s component parties, not having a strong presence in the state, particularly in southern Johor. Nur Jazlan added, “In Johor, the Malays here are moderate and do not have any extremist views… touching on racial and religious matters will not be accepted here.”

The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats became vacant after the death of their elected representative, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23. Salahuddin Ayub, Amanah’s late deputy president and domestic trade and cost of living minister, passed away at the age of 61 due to a brain haemorrhage. The polling day for the by-elections has been scheduled for September 9, with nominations on August 26 and early voting on September 5.