Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to announce the coalition's candidate for the Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat in Johor this Sunday.

In a statement, DAP said the announcement would be made in conjunction with the party's 52nd anniversary, which will be celebrated in the stronghold of MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong.

Although Harapan is yet to reveal its candidate for the seat, it is speculated to be Johor DAP chief, Liew Chin Tong.

"As the general election draws closer, Johor is regarded as Harapan’s frontline state for this monumental battle - and the reason why DAP chose Ayer Hitam to hold its anniversary celebrations.

"The theme of the party's anniversary celebration is "Bina Harapan" (Building Hope) and it will be held at 10am, in the Harapan election centre (at Jalan Bandar Baru 4) in Ayer Hitam," says the statement issued by the DAP headquarters.

DAP's central executive committee (CEC) members, as well as its leaders from various states and Harapan leaders, would be present at the event.

The anniversary celebration will also commemorate the unrelenting efforts and sacrifices made by the party's leaders and members over the past five decades, and members of the public are welcome to attend at the event, DAP added.

Later the same day, MCA will also hold a rally in the Johor Jaya constituency, themed "Support MCA, strengthen team Johor" and expected to
be officiated by MCA president Liow Tiong Lai.

Last week, when asked about the prospect of taking on Liew in the forthcoming general election, incumbent Wee responded: "Bring it on."