KLUANG: Ex-footballer Mohamad Haizan Jaafar believes that sports is a great tool to bring the people together, and his rounds at the Makhota by-election have been a lot about that.
The Perikatan Nasional candidate said he has personally experienced how sports could bring people together regardless of race, religion and background.
“Besides football, I also enjoy bowling, golf and badminton.
“What I love most about sports is its ability to bring people together.
“I was deeply moved by Malaysians cheering our national teams and representatives during the recent Paris Olympics,” the 61-year-old said.
After playing for Johor, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan, in the 1980s, Mohamad Haizan went on to coach the Johor Indian and Kluang Chinese Youth football teams.
“I am no stranger to engaging with the young and Malaysians of all races.
“I believe this will give me the advantage in winning the Chinese and Indian votes,” said the father of three from Bersatu who is fondly called “Coach Haizan” among locals.
Mahkota will go to the polls on Saturday, with early voting scheduled today.
There are 66,318 voters in the constituency.
The state seat fell vacant when its assemblyman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain from Umno died on Aug 2.
