JOHOR BARU: Pakatan Harapan’s bid to retain the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat in the upcoming by-elections will be headed by Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan.
In a joint statement issued by Aminolhuda, Johor PKR chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong, it said that the matter was decided in a meeting of the Johor Pakatan leadership at the state Amanah office in Kangkar Pulai on Monday (Aug 14).
“During the meeting, an election machinery committee was formed with all three Pakatan component parties’ agreement to give their full commitment to fight for the two seats, which were held by domestic trade and cost of living minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub before he passed away.
“At the same time, we are also in talks with the state Barisan Nasional as part of the ‘Perpaduan Bawa Rahmah’ spirit.
“We will not take the by-election for the two seats lightly and we will strategise accordingly to ensure victory,” the statement said Tuesday (Aug 15).
Johor Pakatan also said that the late Salahuddin left behind a legacy of compassion, hard work and was an excellent benchmark as an elected representative and Cabinet minister.
“We hope that the constituents of the Pulai parliamentary constituency and Simpang Jeram state seat will continue supporting the Pakatan candidates who will be fielded in those seats to ensure continued services in line with the Unity Government’s agenda,” it added.
Salahuddin passed away on July 23 after suffering a brain haemorrhage on July 22. He was 61.
On Jan 31, he launched Menu Rahmah – a balanced meal of rice, fish or chicken, and vegetables for RM5 – which is available at some 15,000 food outlets nationwide, followed by other initiatives carrying the Rahmah concept.
Following his passing, the Election Commission has set nomination day for the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram seat by-elections on Aug 26.
Early voting is set on Sept 5 and polling day on Sept 9.
