JOHOR BARU: There will not be an increase in Malay votes for Perikatan Nasional in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections like what was seen in the six recent state elections, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Amanah president said he was confident that voters in both Pulai and Simpang Jeram would throw their support behind the unity government’s candidates.
"I do not want to comment about the 'green wave' coming to Johor. Let them talk about it among themselves as our priority is to focus on our strength.
"Amanah will work closely with our allies in Pakatan and our new friends, which are Umno and Barisan Nasional, to make sure our two candidates win.
"We are confident of seeing an increase in votes as both Pulai and Simpang Jeram are not pro-Perikatan areas but pro-Pakatan and Barisan," he added after introducing candidates Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai) and Nazri Abdul Rahman (Simpang Jeram) here on Thursday (Aug 24).
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister also refused to refer to the interpretation of these two by-elections as a people's referendum, saying it was just part of the democratic process.
"In addition, the momentum of our machinery is also in good condition, it can be seen in this press conference where representatives of all the parties in the unity government are also present – DAP is here, PKR is here, Umno and Barisan are here.
"So I am sure the atmosphere will be even better on voting day," he added.
Meanwhile, Pulai Umno division chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said Malays in Johor would not be swayed by Perikatan’s green wave.
He added that this was due to the fact that PAS, which was one of Perikatan's component parties, did not have a strong foothold in the state especially in southern Johor.
"In Johor, the Malays here are moderate and do not have any extremist views... touching on racial and religious matters will not be accepted here.
"It is statistically unlikely for Perikatan to get 90% of the Malay votes in the by-elections especially in Pulai," he said, adding that Pulai Umno would be mobilising its machinery to help Suhaizan’s campaign.
The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats fell vacant following the death of their elected representative Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.
The late Amanah deputy president and domestic trade and cost of living minister passed away at age 61 from a brain haemorrhage.
Polling day has been set for Sept 9, with nominations on Saturday (Aug 26) and early voting on Sept 5.
