Simpang Jeram by-election will pave way for Perikatan to capture Johor, says Sanusi

MUAR: According to Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, the Simpang Jeram by-election will pave the way for the ‘Perikatan Nasional wave’ to enter Johor. The coalition has studied the matter and believes it is only a matter of time before the wave reaches Johor. Muhammad Sanusi, who is also Perikatan election director, stated that the wave triggered in the recently concluded state elections will extend to Singapore, including Johor. He believes that Simpang Jeram will be the starting point for this wave, and in two-and-a-half years, Perikatan aims to take over Johor in the state election. He made this statement during the launch of the Simpang Jeram Perikatan election machinery on Wednesday (Aug 23) night.

When asked about Perikatan’s approach to attract Chinese voters, who constitute about 44% of the voters in Simpang Jeram, Muhammad Sanusi said they will make an effort to help them understand the true nature of the coalition. He clarified that they are not extremists and dispelled misconceptions spread about Perikatan-imposed restrictions. He also mentioned that Gerakan, a component party of Perikatan, will contribute to gaining the support of the Chinese community by providing speakers who can communicate with them in Mandarin. Muhammad Sanusi emphasized the importance of ensuring that the community comprehends the reality of Perikatan’s ideology.

On a related note, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man stated that the Simpang Jeram and Pulai by-elections will serve as indicators to measure Perikatan’s popularity in Johor. He highlighted that the wave witnessed throughout the country did not manifest during the Johor election last year due to its timing before the general election. Therefore, these upcoming by-elections will determine if the wave will extend to Johor as well. The press conference was attended by other prominent figures, including PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Johor Perikatan chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, and Perikatan’s candidate for the Simpang Jeram seat, Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya.