JOHOR BARU – Although rain continued to fall since early yesterday evening, Johan Arifin Mohd Ropi continued with his pre-planned walkabout at the Kg Melayu Majidee night market here, stopping at almost all stalls there to introduce himself.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate’s walkabout had been scheduled to start at 4pm yesterday but it was delayed due to the bad weather. However, as there was no indication that the rain would stop anytime soon, he went ahead with it, followed by about 20 supporters clad in BN’s customary blue.
The 42-year-old was all smiles when greeting the traders, repeatedly reminding them to exercise their democratic duty come polling day on November 19.
The Umno man appeared to be well received by the traders, with more than a few asking for a selfie with him in front of their stalls.
Speaking to reporters later, Johan said that he relishes the challenge in taking on incumbent Johor Baru MP Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir in the 15th general election (GE15).
Akmal was dubbed as the giant-slayer for his surprising performance in the last general election in 2018, defeating long-time Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, who had held the seat since 1978.
He also rejected the idea that Johor Baru is considered a “black area” for BN.
“God willing, so far, the locals are reactive when we approach them. They tried to get to know us and the changes that we’ll try to bring for Johor Baru.”
Shahrir and Johan were said to enjoy a mentor-protégé relationship in the past, with the former Johor MP grooming the latter to take over when the time came.
Johan said that he has nothing personal against Akmal but stressed that he is disappointed that the PKR man failed to help elevate the city further when given the chance.
“What Johor Baru needs is a young leader who knows what the city needs and knows how to develop it.”
“The only personal thing that matters to me is my love for this city. Akmal has not done much with the opportunity that was afforded to him by the Johor Baru folks,” he said. He noted that Johor Baru has one of the busiest international borders in terms of arrivals, but the city still lags behind in development.
Johan, a one-time aide to former Johor menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, is set to take on Akmal, who will defend Johor Baru under Pakatan Harapan’s banner in GE15. Also in the fray are Perikatan Nasional-Bersatu’s Mohd Mohtaj Yacob and Pejuang’s Hairy Mahmood. – The Vibes, November 8, 2022
