MUAR: Former Johor exco member Mazlan Bujang, who left Bersatu four years ago, has been named as one of PAS’ 11 candidates for the Johor election.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar announced the line-up last night.
“Mazlan, who recently joined PAS, will contest the Kahang seat. The candidates were selected based on their grassroots presence and contributions to the people,” he said.
Mazlan, who previously served as Johor’s education, information, heritage and culture committee chairman, left Bersatu in 2022.
It is understood that he officially joined PAS yesterday morning.
Ahmad Samsuri said PAS will contest Kahang, Jementah, Tenang, Simpang Jeram, Maharani, Sungai Balang, Semerah, Sri Medan, Endau, Pasir Raja and Tiram.
He said Endau candidate Hasnul Hakimi Hussien, 30, is the youngest among the party’s candidates, while two women candidates have been fielded in Tenang and Pasir Raja.
Ahmad Samsuri said the outcome of the Johor election would serve as an important indicator ahead of the Negri Sembilan polls.
“It will also send a clear signal to the Federal Government as it considers the timing of the next general election,” he added.
Asked why PAS would only be contesting in 11 seats compared to 15 seats previously, he said the decision was based on the current scenario, which is different from five years ago, and that there was nothing negative about it.
Asked whether PAS would welcome former Johor speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who left Umno, into the party, Ahmad Samsuri said they always welcome people into the fold.
“Our door is always open,” he added.
Perikatan won three seats – Maharani through PAS, and Endau and Bukit Kepong through Bersatu.
