JOHOR BARU: Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) has made its first election appearance by fielding a candidate for the Endau state seat in the 16th Johor state election.
Its candidate, Jati Awang (pic), was confirmed eligible after the nomination process concluded Saturday (June 27), marking the party's maiden participation in a democratic contest.
The Endau seat, with 28,767 registered voters, will see a four-cornered fight involving Jati, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Alwiyah Talib, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Saiful Nizam Samat and Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Hasnul Hakimi Hussien.
Jati, 52, an Orang Asli from Endau, said Asli's participation aims to elevate the voice of the community, particularly in state leadership.
"We want the Orang Asli community to have its own representative who can more effectively voice its issues and needs," he said after the nomination process at Endau Multipurpose Hall, Mersing.
Asli's debut also marks its first official election entry after its earlier plan to contest the 2024 Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election did not materialise when it withdrew before nomination day due to technical issues.
The Election Commission has set July 7 for early voting and July 11 for polling day. - Bernama
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election,visit https://elections.thestar.com.my/.
