IN Kluang, Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged party members not to sabotage the Mahkota state assembly (DUN) by-election candidate.
He stressed the importance of unity, especially with coalition allies like Amanah, DAP, and PKR, as part of the unity government team.
“All machinery must work well, MCA’s machinery must move with full force, and MIC should be tasked with engaging the Indian community.
“From Sept 7 to 14 (before nomination day), there are seven days. No matter who the candidate is, take this time to persuade the party machinery and supporters.
“Let’s not forget our allies from Amanah, DAP, and PKR. This is the first time we are combining in one team—the unity government team for the Mahkota state assembly,” he said.
Zahid highlighted the need for strong party machinery from MCA and MIC to engage the Indian community.
Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah was announced as the BN candidate for the by-election.
A by-election was called after the passing of the Mahkota assemblyperson Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
In the 2022 Johor state election, Sharifah won the seat with 16,611 votes, defeating Pakatan Harapan’s Muhammad Taqiuddin Cheman who secured 11,445 votes.
Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Mohamad Nor Lingan finished third with 7,614 votes, which accounted for 21% of the total votes cast.
Meanwhile, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan stated that PN does not view the Mahkota state seat as a stronghold for any party, as political outcomes can be unpredictable.
He noted that while certain parties may seem favoured, voter preferences remain unclear until the election takes place.
Takiyuddin added that PN will unite behind their candidate who will be announced later, to secure victory in the by-election.
