Barisan Mahkota candidate intends to continue legacy of predecessor
KLUANG: Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Mahkota by-election, hopes to continue the legacy of his predecessor.
The 40-year-old father of two said he was grateful to Umno and its leadership for giving him the opportunity to contest for the state seat.
“YB Sharifah (Azizah Syed Zain) has made a lot of contributions and I hope to be able to continue whatever she has started.
“I will do my best,” the Kluang Umno Youth division chief said when met after he was announced as the Barisan’s candidate and the launch of the coalition’s election machinery here yesterday.
Syed Hussien, who is also a Kluang Municipal councillor, completed his primary education at a Chinese school.
He has been a party member for over 20 years.
Earlier, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced Syed Hussien as the candidate for the Mahkota by-election.
Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Syed Hussien was among 17 names shortlisted by the party.
All smiles: Syed Hussien (fourth from left) gesturing during the naming of Barisan’s Mahkota candidate. With him are (from left) Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Kluang Umno division chief Datuk Jais Sarday, Johor Mentri Besar and Mahkota by-election director Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Ahmad Zahid, Dr Wee and Dzulkefly.
“We know that this is a Wanita seat and they would want a candidate coming from the wing.
“At the same time, Umno Youth also wants to have a candidate from its wing following their recent victory in Nenggiri,” he said in his speech.
Ahmad Zahid hopes that the Barisan machinery, along with its allies in Pakatan Harapan, would give their fullest support to Syed Hussien.
“I hope he will use the next seven days before nomination day to meet party members, including from other wings, to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he said.
Also present at the event were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC vice-president Datuk Dr R. Nelson, Amanah vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and DAP deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Dr Wee said thousands from the Barisan machinery and grassroots members were present during the announcement in a show of support.
He said Ahmad Zahid also urged the Barisan machinery to emulate the spirit shown during the Tanjung Piai and Nenggiri by-elections, which demonstrated dedication and unity that led to outstanding victories.
“Let us work hard together to achieve victory for the Barisan candidate.
“To the voters of Mahkota, this is the best candidate to represent you in the Johor state assembly!” he said.
The Mahkota state seat became vacant when its incumbent assemblyman, Sharifah Azizah from Umno, passed away on Aug 2, three days after she was hospitalised.
Sharifah Azizah had won the seat in the March 2022 state polls by a 5,166-vote majority, beating three other candidates from Perikatan Nasional, Pakatan and Parti Warisan.
Polling has been set on Sept 28 while nomination is on Sept 14.
