JOHOR BARU: Former minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is free to contest any seat he wants in Johor, says state PKR vice-chairman Jimmy Puah.
He said Rafizi, a former PKR deputy president who recently announced his resignation from the party to take over Parti Bersama Malaysia, could do as he wished, including contesting in Johor.
"We live in a democratic country, and anyone from any party can contest any seat they want.
"If he wants to contest in Johor, let it be. It is not an issue.
"We just have to make sure our machinery is strong enough to face his party or any other parties, be it Muda or even Warisan," he said at a press conference after visiting Ban Foo new village here on Wednesday (May 20).
He said this in response to a question about rumours that Rafizi had expressed interest in contesting in Johor.
Puah added that Johor is seen as a progressive state that is bound to attract the attention of many parties.
"Johor is special in many ways, and I think this will attract all kinds of political parties to try their luck here.
"We should not feel threatened by any of this," he said, adding that Pakatan Harapan's machinery is prepared to face any election.
On Monday (May 18), Rafizi and former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said they had submitted their resignation letters to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
This came a day after the duo announced they were leaving PKR to join Parti Bersama Malaysia.
