The simple and moderate personality of Pakatan Harapan candidate, Karmaine Sardini, is seen as an advantage for ruling coalition to garner the support of the local community in the Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election on Nov 16.

Johor Amanah vice-chairperson Suhaizan Kayat said Karmaine (above), who has been living in Pontian for a long time, is seen as an advantage as a member of the local community.

“I think the position of Karmaine here is an advantage and his large family is well known here for years.

"He is also a moderate leader who is respected by the residents and I see he could replace Dr Md Farid Md Rafik and hope he would find success here,” said Suhaizan, who is the Johor State Legislative Assembly speaker.

Suhaizan (photo), who is also the Kukup assemblyperson, said when opening the Bazaar Peduli Rakyat (BPR) in Kukup at the Sri Menanti-Parit Haji Adnan junction in Pontian today.

The Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election will be held on Nov 16 following the death of its incumbent, Farid, 42, who was the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department on Sept 21 due to heart complications.

In another development, Suhaizan said the BPR programme was created as an alternative platform for farmers and traders to market their products.

"The programme gives locals the opportunity to promote their products to visitors from the surrounding villagers,” he said.

The BPR programme is a cooperation of three agencies under the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to market local produce at lower prices. - Bernama