PKR unveils Maszlee for Layang-Layang, postpones some seats

JOHOR POLLS | PKR today unveiled 13 out of its 20 candidates for the upcoming Johor polls, including former education minister Maszlee Malik who has been fielded in Layang-Layang.

Maszlee was the only candidate announced by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim during a function held for the central region in PKR Rengit command centre earlier today.

Layang-Layang is one of two state seats in Simpang Renggam. Maszlee is also the Simpang Renggam MP and has been touted as a possible menteri besar candidate.

Anwar said the remaining candidates for the central region won't be announced today as another two to three days were needed.

"For the rest - east and central, let there be some suspense so people will work harder," he told party members.

The announcement for Maszlee's candidacy was initially scheduled for this morning, where Anwar also unveiled the five candidates for the southern region.

However, Maszlee's announcement was postponed to serve as a filler for the latest event following the decision not to announce any other candidates for the central region.

Yesterday, Johor PKR had issued an invitation saying that all 20 candidates will be unveiled.

However, last-minute changes threw a spanner in the works.

When met by reporters, Maszlee noted that his candidacy was announced despite an unwritten party rule for MPs to not contest a state seat.

However, he pledged to capture Layang-Layang for PKR, with help from the party's machinery under the Simpang Renggam parliament.

"Whether I am involved in Layang-Layang or not, our mission is to ensure victory for Harapan's candidates in Johor, especially those from PKR.

"In this state election we will take an out of the box, unconventional approach because of the different circumstances, to realise our dreams to see Johor revived, developed and dignified," said Maszlee.

Maszlee also reiterated PKR's plans to see Johor as a Southern economic hub for the South East Asian region, looking at possible collaborations with neighbouring countries particularly Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.

'Seven candidates in Northern Johor'

In a separate function held in Batu Pahat tonight, Anwar announced seven candidates for the Northern region, including Gambir - a Bersatu seat now contested by PKR, previously held by PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin.

Johor PKR secretary Naim Jusri, who previously contested and lost in Sungai Balang, was named as the new Gambir candidate.

Overall, the 13 PKR candidates announced so far are:

• Subramaniam Chami (Buloh Kasap)

• Yoong Tau (Pemanis)

• Na'im Jusri (Gambir)

• Md Ysahrudin Kusni (Bukit Naning)

• Abdullah Sahid (Sungai Balang)

• Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar (Semerah)

• Azmi Masrani (Sri Medan)

• Zamil Najwah Arbain (Larkin)

• Chiong Sen Sern (Bukit Batu)

• SS Gopalakrishnan (Tiram)

• Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim (Pasir Raja)

• Napsiah Khamis (Kempas)

• Maszlee Malik (Layang-Layang)

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