PONTIAN – Several Johor Umno divisions have submitted applications to contest in the coming state election for seats previously contested by Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the matter would be studied and decided by the state and central leaders without affecting Umno’s relations with other BN component parties.
“Several Umno divisions have voiced their views on this issue, not only for Pulai Sebatang, but for one or two other places in Johor,” he said at a press conference after attending an event organised by Pontian MCA in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration here last night.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad and Pontian MCA division chief Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.
Last month, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the party aimed to contest at least 42 of the 56 state seats in the Johor election.
Ahmad said BN’s candidates for the Johor election would be decided soon.
Meanwhile, in his speech at the event, Hasni, who is also Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman, expressed confidence in better economic growth in Pontian if the people give their mandate to the coalition to lead the state.
He said that having led the state for almost two years, he had found the best way to develop Pontian and make the district one of the largest economic contributors to the state.
Prior to this, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported to have said that Hasni would be elected as the new Johor menteri besar if BN wins the state election.
The Johor election was called following the dissolution of the state assembly on January 22. The Election Commission is expected to announce the date for the election tomorrow. – Bernama, February 8, 2022
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