SKUDAI assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has dismissed claims that she has shied away from contesting in Malay-majority constituencies or sought to remain in politically “safe” areas, saying her political record and grassroots work prove otherwise.
In a social media post on Tuesday night, Marina said she had in fact been actively involved in fieldwork in Malay-majority areas since as early as 2021, including assignments that required her to build community centres and engage directly with voters in constituencies expected to be part of her political development pathway.
“I am a fresh young person, inexperienced and raw in politics when I was sent to do field work in Layang-Layang,” she said.
She added that at the time she had been expected to face senior political figures in the constituency.
“At that time I was expected to face Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi who was then the Johor Exco for Tourism, Youth and Sports,” she said.
Marina, who on Sunday announced her decision not to contest in any future elections and to step back from politics, stressed that her withdrawal should not be interpreted as dissatisfaction or an attempt to avoid challenging electoral contests.
She said she had worked extensively in Malay-majority constituencies and had been supported by volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with no prior political experience.
Marina also rejected suggestions that her candidacy in Malay-majority areas was crucial for party expansion, noting that she had previously served as campaign manager in Mersing during the 2022 General Election.
“The candidate fielded at that time contested in an area with about 76 per cent Malay voters and managed to avoid losing the deposit despite being a first-time contestant,” she said.
“Then if the intention was really to expand the party in Malay areas, a coordinator should have been appointed long ago.
“The grassroots there have raised this issue repeatedly. And now, where is the coordinator to develop the seat?” she said.
Marina also reflected on her experiences during campaigning, describing the challenges she faced while working in rural and plantation areas.
“I won’t even go into how I and a Chinese female friend went alone walking in Felda areas during campaigning, distributing flyers and meeting villagers.
“I am a Malay woman who once campaigned and had a pakcik spit in my face,” she said.
She insisted her decision not to defend the Skudai seat was not driven by disappointment, resentment, or a desire to retreat into safer political ground.
“This is not about winning or losing. Gopalakrishnan from PKR also won in Tiram in 2018 with a majority of just over 1,500.
“My decision has nothing to do with stories about sulking or wanting comfort. Nonsense.
“Let me tell you one thing. If you look at all my writings, why have I always said my volunteers are the backbone?
“They are of different races, different religions, but why do I respect them so much when making this decision? Because they know the reason behind my decision and they have been with me in all circumstances,” she said. - June 3, 2026
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