MUAR: Former Johor exco Mazlan Bujang, who left Bersatu four years ago, has been named as one of the 11 PAS candidates who will be contesting in the upcoming state election.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar announced the line-up at Bakri here on Thursday (June 25).
“Mazlan, who just joined PAS, will be contesting the Kahang seat.
“The candidates were chosen based on their presence and contribution to the rakyat,” he said.
Mazlan, who was state education, information, heritage and culture committee chairman, left Bersatu in 2022.
It was understood that Mazlan joined PAS on Thursday (June 25) morning.
Ahmad Samsuri said the other 10 seats PAS would contest are Jementah, Tenang, Simpang Jeram, Maharani, Sungai Balang, Semerah, Sri Medan, Endau, Pasir Raja and Tiram.
He named Endau candidate Hasnul Hakimi Hussien as the youngest, aged 30, and two women candidates for Tenang and Pasir Raja.
He said the outcome of the Johor state polls would send a clear message to the upcoming state elections in Negri Sembilan and subsequently Melaka.
“It will also send a message and signal to the Federal Government to decide when to hold the general election,” he added.
In the 15th Johor state election in 2022, Perikatan contested in 56 seats - Bersatu contested 33 seats, PAS 15 seats and Gerakan eight seats - and won three seats, Maharani (PAS), as well as Endau and Bukit Kepong (Bersatu).
In 2022, Barisan Nasional won 40 seats, Pakatan secured 12, while Muda captured one.
Barisan unveiled its candidate line-up for all 56 seats on Wednesday (June 24) while Pakatan announced its candidates on Monday (June 22).
The Election Commission (EC) has set July 11 as the polling day for Johor, with nominations to take place on June 27 and early voting on July 7.
