MUAR – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a victory in the Simpang Jeram and Pulai by-elections is important to maintain Johor as a fixed deposit for the existing government and ensuring that the welfare of various races in the state continues to be protected.
Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said a win for Amanah’s candidate, Nazri Abdul Rahman representing the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is necessary to stop PAS from establishing a foothold in the state which is now led by BN.
“We do not want PAS to make the Simpang Jeram state constituency as the second site after Maharani.
“Only the people of Bakri and Simpang Jeram can deny the intention of the Islamist party…we must formulate our strategy.
“This is because PAS is full of trickery...we must fight back,” he said when speaking at a meeting with BN Simpang Jeram machinery here today.
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Nazri.
In this regard, Zahid, who is also Umno president, called on Nazri, who is a former Muar Municipal Council engineer, to act as a flood expert to stem the PAS wave.
In the last Johor state election, BN recorded a big win by obtaining a simple majority with 40 seats, while PN has three seats and PH has 10 seats.
Apart from that, Zahid also recalled Umno’s bitter memory when it partnered with PAS in Muafakat Nasional, saying that PAS is always backstabbing its friends.
“When we were in the opposition, we tried to show the unity of Muslims with MN, but we learnt our lesson,” he said.
Both Simpang Jeram and Pulai seats fell vacant following the death of their incumbent, former domestic trade and cost of living minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.
The nomination of candidates today saw a three-cornered fight for both seats between PH, PN, and Independent. – Bernama, August 26, 2023
