Ahmad Maslan rubbishes 'street peddler' list of Johor BN candidates

Incumbent Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan has rubbished a purported Johor BN 15th general election candidates list that excluded his name to defend his seat for the fourth term.

When contacted, Ahmad described the purported list as one created by a “street peddler” who should not be given any attention.

“There are stacks of lists, anybody can type it. Even a street peddler can type it,” the Umno secretary-general told Malaysiakini today.

According to one purported list sighted by Malaysiakini, Umno executive secretary Mohd Sumali Reduan will be fielded in Pontian to replace Ahmad, while Pontian Umno division chief Hasni Mohammad - also Johor BN state chief - will be moved to contest in Simpang Renggam.

“The list is made by don’t-know-whos who do not know anything, with no sources, and they just want to interfere.

“It’s a fake list. The (real) list is not ready so how can there be a (leaked) list? I should know that the list is not ready,” said Ahmad, who is also Hasni’s deputy in Pontian Umno.

Ahmad noted there had also been previous purported lists but with his name included.

Repeatedly stressing that he is unauthorised to make any official announcement, Ahmad, however, indicated his intentions to remain in Pontian.

“Why do I want to change? I’m a local from Pontian,” said Ahmad.

On Tuesday, Malay daily Berita Harian quoted Johor BN sources who hinted at Hasni’s intention to contest in Pontian, while Ahmad is offered the Simpang Renggam seat.

Alternatively, the source reportedly revealed ongoing efforts to convince MCA to let go of its Tanjung Piai seat, currently held by incumbent Wee Jeck Seng, in exchange for Simpang Renggam - traditionally contested for BN by Gerakan, that has since joined PN.

An agreement would see Hasni fielded in Tanjung Piai, Ahmad to remain in Pontian, and Wee moved to Simpang Renggam, according to Berita Harian.

Hasni, a former Johor menteri besar, held the Pontian parliamentary seat from 2004 to 2008, and led the Umno Pontian division since 2001.

‘Discussions only at top level’

Meanwhile, Umno Tanjung Piai chief Jefridin Atan said any negotiations would only involve the party’s top leaders, while those in the divisions are tasked to support any chosen candidate.

“Any discussions will be at the top level. We at the division have no authority to negotiate.

“We just requested to be selected, that’s all,” Jefridin told Malaysiakini.

“We in the division have the right to request (for a candidate) but the decision lies with the president.

“We just follow what has been decided,” said the Kukup assemblyperson.

Jefridin added the issue of Hasni’s candidacy in Tanjung Piai will be left in the hands of Umno’s leadership while pledging support for any BN candidate in GE15.

Malaysiakini understands that following a Johor BN meeting last night, Hasni is expected to meet Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi tomorrow to finalise the state’s candidates list ahead of official announcements next week.

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