BN's architect candidate vows to elevate Johor Bahru

GE15 | At the heart of Southern Johor is the state capital of Johor Bahru where BN's candidate and machinery are out to match the coalition's success in the March state polls.

The start of the monsoon season which brings heavy rain and potential flood may have posed as a disruptive element, but candidate Johan Arifin Mohd Ropi (above) appears prepared.

On the second day of campaigning, Johan's planned walkabout at the Kampung Melayu Majidee night market, a centre of attraction in the seat held by Pakatan Harapan's incumbent Akmal Nasir, was at risk of being a total washout.

However, backed by a team of some 20 supporters carrying BN umbrellas, the 42-year-old continued introducing himself to the market traders as a first-time candidate.

Their route was, however, cut short, ending at the Medan Niaga Kampung Melayu, a popular breakfast spot upgraded during the time of former Johor Bahru MP and Umno veteran, Shahrir Samad, who remains as Johor Bahru Umno division chief.

The last 14th general election saw Shahrir's defeat to Akmal in Johor Bahru. However, the Kampung Melayu Majidee polling district under the Larkin state seat remained the only one won by BN.

Since then, Johor Umno Youth chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah had won the Larkin state seat during the state election.

This time, Johan said his campaigns in the last 48 hours have been well received. He also denied a perception of the surrounding areas being considered as "black" or stacked heavily against BN.

"When I try to approach them, they appear to be receptive.

"The voters try to get to know and understand what we (BN) are offering," said the Johor Bahru native who previously served as an aide to former Johor menteri besar Mohd Khaled Nordin.

Johor Harapan chief Salahuddin Ayub and others contesting in Southern Johor had previously expressed confidence the coalition can turn around BN's state polls success with a higher turnout rate come polling day on Nov 19.

For example, in Larkin which BN won during the state polls with a 6,178-vote majority, there were around 6,000 fewer votes cast than in 2018.

Malay voters

Asked about BN's strategy to increase or retain the support of Malay voters, Johan said: "I think voters are aware that what Harapan is offering is nothing more than provocation and political agenda."

The March state polls saw a voter turnout of only 55 percent and since then implementation of automatic voter registration and Undi 18 has significantly boosted the numbers of new voters.

Johor Harapan had targeted a figure of 75 percent voter turnout to retain its 18 parliament seats and capture up to four new Umno strongholds.

"We hope for greater participation in the election, we don't only want them to vote for BN but also be a part of BN.

"We celebrate the involvement of voters in the democratic process," said Johan.

On his campaign promises, the architect by profession said he wished to see Johor Bahru reach its full development potential, in line with its strategic position bordering Singapore.

"Johor Bahru needs a young leader who understands its needs and knows how to elevate the city," said Johan, also known as co-founder of the now-closed Kilang Bateri, at one time a popular lifestyle mall and youth gathering space.

Aside from Akmal, other contenders for the Johor Bahru seat are Perikatan Nasional's Mohd Mohtaj Yacob and Pejuang's Hairy Mahmood.

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