NIBONG TEBAL: Dr Joohari Ariffin (pic), PKR’s named candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election, says his planner background will hold him in good stead to bring progress to the constituency.
“I am less of a politician and more of a planner. I am the sort who pays meticulous attention to problems and solutions.
“If elected, my main priority will be the water woes in Sungai Bakap.
“I will do whatever necessary to ensure this problem is resolved by working closely with the state and federal authorities,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Joohari, 60, was announced as the unity government’s candidate for the by-election during a ceramah there on Wednesday night.
He started out as a teacher before taking up the post as lecturer.
He resigned as director at the Institut Aminuddin Baki (northern branch) in order to contest the by-election.
He is a certified trainer and coach and holds a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Joohari, who is from Sungai Bakap, said he had been keeping close tabs on the progress of the Perak-Penang water deal and planned on playing a proactive role to help realise the project.
Many Penangites in South Seberang Perai district are hopeful of the water deal as their current water supply comes from Sungai Muda at the northern border of Kedah and Penang.
The distance results in low water pressure and unscheduled supply disruption due to damaged pipes.
“I am sure the Sungai Bakap folk will be receptive to me as a survey I did in the area recently showed that they preferred a local boy who understands their problems,” he added.
Joohari’s candidacy was announced by co-chair of the unity government’s election machinery steering committee Rafizi Ramli, who said the decision had received the blessings of all in the ruling coalition.
“Joohari fits the bill, being a local face in Sungai Bakap and an educator who has served in various educational institutions.
“We believe that if chosen as the assemblyman in the by-election, he will be able to serve the people well,” he said at the announcement event held at Bandar Tasek Mutiara.
The by-election is set for July 6 with nomination on June 22.
The latest voter registration showed there are 39,279 voters in the constituency, with Malays making up 59.36%, Chinese (22.54%), Indians (17.39%) and others (0.71%).
The seat fell vacant following the death of Nibong Tebal PAS chief Nur Zamri Latiff, who defeated a Pakatan Harapan candidate in the last state election.
