Simpang Jeram by-election: Pakatan to win with 60%, Chinese voter turnout, says party campaign director

MUAR: Dr Sheikh Ibrahim Salleh, the campaign director of Pakatan Harapan, believes that the coalition can secure victory in the Simpang Jeram by-election if at least 60% of Chinese voters exercise their right to vote. He emphasized the importance of the Chinese vote in this by-election, stating that while it should have been an easy win, they are facing difficulties due to a ‘wave’ coming from afar. He urged the Chinese voters to turn out on September 9th, as their votes are crucial for their success in this election. The by-election result may not affect the unity government, but it should not be taken lightly, as if Perikatan Nasional wins the seat, they are unlikely to let it go. (Source: The Star)

Pakatan candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman also expressed concern about a low voter turnout. In the previous Johor election, only approximately 21,000 out of over 40,000 registered voters cast their ballots. Nazri worries that young voters who are working elsewhere might not return home to vote in this by-election. He called upon the crowd in the ceramah to encourage these young voters to exercise their democratic right. (Source: The Star)

The Simpang Jeram by-election is a three-cornered fight between Nazri Abdul Rahman (Pakatan Nasional), Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya (Perikatan Nasional), and S. Jeganathan (independent candidate). The constituency has a total of 40,488 registered voters, with Malays comprising 51.87%, Chinese 44.58%, Indians 2.53%, and other communities 0.99%. The voter turnout in the previous state election stood at 53.4%. (Source: The Star)