MERSING: There is no issue with fielding former Perikatan Nasional candidate Alwiyah Talib for the Endau state seat under a Barisan Nasional ticket, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi
The caretaker Johor Mentri Besar stressed that Alwiyah had returned to Barisan under the Rumah Bangsa initiative, which was mooted by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“Grassroots members have accepted her return, and when she was in the balancing force, she was already working.
“She is also a good leader working for the people. We do not have a problem accepting her back,” he said after visiting the Barisan machinery here on Monday (June 29).
Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz said all was proceeding well on the third day of campaigning, with no untoward incidents so far.
In the Johor polls in 2022, Alwiyah, representing Perikatan, retained the Endau state seat with a majority of 3,041 votes in a five-cornered contest.
She previously won the seat in the 14th General Election (GE14) on the BN ticket before joining Bersatu.
The Endau seat, which is almost 80% Malay majority with 28,767 registered voters, witnessed a four-cornered contest involving Alwiyah, Saiful Nizam Samat from the Pakatan Harapan (PH), Hasnul Hakimi Hussien (Perikatan) and Jati Awang, a candidate from the Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI).
Meanwhile, Alwiyah emphasised that the issue of a “political home” is not the main concern, and her priority is to continue being a liaison and representing the voice of the people in the area.
She said she remained steadfast in her decision to continue serving the community despite various sentiments regarding her renomination under the BN ticket in the Johor state election.
“‘Whichever ‘home’ it is, for me, that is not the main issue because what is more important is to continue being a connector and to represent their (the people’s) voices,” she said.
Alwiyah added that she offers experience, commitment, and dedication to continue bringing development, strengthening the local economy, and ensuring the welfare of the people remains a priority.
“Hopefully, with the unwavering support of all the people of Endau, we will move forward to build a more advanced, prosperous, and harmonious Endau for everyone,” she said.
At the same time, she urged all parties to jointly maintain harmony, respect the democratic process, and avoid any form of provocation.
Alwiyah also expressed gratitude to the party leadership for the trust placed in her.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election,visit https://elections.thestar.com.my/
