DESPITE facing a big challenger, Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the N.35 Pasir Raja State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Fakharuddin Moslim, remains confident.
Considering himself to be the 'underdog' candidate, the 38-year-old faces competition from former minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, who held the seat from 2008 to 2018.
When met, Fakharuddin said he did not feel any pressure, although he was aware that the public's attention would certainly be focused on Dr Adham's comeback.
“I do consider myself an ‘underdog’. When I go out into the field with that sentiment, I try not to feel pressured, and there’s no need to ‘stand out’.
“My job is to convince voters that Fakharuddin Moslim is capable of being a representative who brings their voices to the centre,” he said.
His background as a native of Pasir Raja has helped a lot, and his reception so far has been good.
He said that 50 per cent of the voters in the DUN are currently led by young voters who have their own views, and can judge between glass and gems.
“They want to see representatives who are ‘down to earth’, who are willing to listen, who are willing to sit as low, stand as high as them.
“Big names, big reputations are no longer the main criteria for choosing leaders. For that reason, I am optimistic that I will be able to challenge Dr Adham,” he said.
This is his second appearance for the Johor State Election (PRN), after the first time in 2022.
“At that time, I was running as a candidate from PKR youth, still too green, as people say. Lacking experience, still not good at winning the hearts of voters.
“But after four years, God willing, this time I am quite prepared, I know where I need to improve and what my strengths are compared to opposing candidates,” he said.
“Alhamdulillah, the response and feedback were received quite well, and I am positive that I will be able to get a significant number of votes,” he said. - July 8, 2026.
