JOHOR BARU: Datuk Hasni Mohammad (pic) is set to become the “poster boy” for Barisan Nasional in the state election after two other leaders touted as potential mentri besar ruled themselves out of the polls.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Johor Umno deputy chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said they would not be contesting the election.
Mohamed Khaled said he made the decision without any hesitation.
“This is my decision even though there are some who claim I will be contesting in the state election.
“It is better to give young leaders with calibre the opportunity to contest,” said the former mentri besar.
Mohamed Khaled, who is also Pasir Gudang Umno chief, added that he never offered himself up to contest in the state election.
He said Hasni has done a good job as the Mentri Besar even in a short period of time.
In the 14th General Election, Mohamed Khaled was in a four-cornered fight for the Permas state seat.
He lost to Datuk Che Zakaria Mohd Salleh of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
Nur Jazlan said he too was not eyeing any state seat in the election.
“Just like Khaled, I am also not interested in contesting in the Johor state election.
“It is better for the party to field younger and fresh-faced candidates,” he said.
In GE14, Nur Jazlan who is Umno Pulai chief lost the Pulai parliamentary seat in a four-cornered fight to Parti Amanah Negara deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
