JOHOR BARU: Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has confirmed that he will not be contesting in the upcoming Johor state election, opting to focus on bolstering Umno’s election machinery instead.
The Pontian Member of Parliament said he had informed the party leadership of his decision not to contest in either Benut or Pulai Sebatang, the two state constituencies within his constituency.
“I would like to announce that I will not be contesting in the Johor state election.
“I have informed the party leadership that I do not intend to contest in Benut or Pulai Sebatang. Let others contest in those two constituencies,” he told reporters during a visit to the Johor Public Works Department (JKR) headquarters here on Monday (June 15).
Ahmad said he would instead continue serving the party in his capacity as Johor Umno deputy liaison chief.
“In other states, deputy liaison chiefs may contest, but in Johor, the deputy liaison chief will not be contesting,” he added.
On the emergence of new political parties expressing interest in contesting the state election, Ahmad said Barisan Nasional welcomed healthy democratic participation.
“In the spirit of democracy, any party that wishes to contest cannot be prevented from doing so.
“However, Barisan Nasional’s philosophy is that when we contest, we must contest to win, not to lose,” he said.
Ahmad added that the coalition remained focused on strengthening its election machinery in all constituencies it plans to contest.
“Whether the contest is friendly or otherwise, our philosophy remains the same: we contest to win.
“I wish all parties, big or small, the best in the state election. Their participation adds vibrancy to the democratic process,” he said.
His comments came when asked whether the participation of additional political parties, including Parti Wawasan, could split votes and affect BN's prospects in the upcoming state polls.
