JOHOR BARU – Johor Umno Youth chief Hairi Md Shah is contesting in Larkin on the assumption he comes from the position of the opposition.
Speaking to The Vibes during a walkabout at Kg Melayu Majidee’s night market, Hairi said he keeps telling himself not to be overconfident despite the mood on the ground being favourable to Barisan Nasional.
“I am working with the assumption that I am in the opposition. Umno and BN lost all three state seats in Johor Baru, so I consider myself the opposition and will triple the efforts of my campaign,” Hairi said.
So far he said, the constituents of Larkin have been warming to BN, given that the coalition has fielded mostly new names for the upcoming state polls.
However, he pointed out that voters are not afraid to lob important advice in his direction.
“The voters here have advised me to make sure not to jump parties, ensure political stability, and mend the economy,” Hairi added.
One way to do this is reopening the Johor Baru-Singapore border to stimulate commerce in the state.
Asked which of the five candidates posed the biggest threat to his campaign, Hairi said that everyone is starting on a level playing field, adding that the clash between Muda and PKR in Larkin would not be an advantage for BN.
“For me, all the candidates are new to Larkin. The only advantage I have is that I am a son of Johor Baru and served in the local council here, so some may know me.
“I would say when it comes to chances, they are the same for everyone. Even though the mood here seems to show the rakyat are turning towards BN again, I don’t want to be overconfident,” he said.
Hairi will contest in the upcoming Johor polls on March 12 in the Larkin constituency – a must-watch seat after Muda decided to go head-on against opposition partner PKR.
Larkin was formerly won by Bersatu under the Pakatan Harapan ticket in 2018 by candidate Mohammad Izhar Ahmad, who garnered nearly 60% of the votes. – The Vibes, March 1, 2022
