Kluang Amanah defends bid to contest Mahkota

Kluang Amanah has defended the division’s bid to contest the Mahkota seat in Johor, announced just several days since the death of its incumbent, former Kluang Wanita Umno chief Syarifah Azizah Syed Zain.

When contacted, Kluang Amanah chief Zuhan Mohd Zain said while Syarifah was respected and will be missed for her contributions, there are discussions which should immediately proceed including on her successor.

"To Johor Umno Youth, listen carefully to my press conference (earlier today),” said Zuhan in response to Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros.

"Allahyarhamah (Syarifah) is our friend, and we too felt her loss.

“But it is normal for certain discussions to immediately take place after such death (of an elected representative).

“The issue of who will contest the seat must be discussed to ensure that all administration matters will continue,” said Zuhan who is also the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia chairperson (MyIPO).

Earlier today, Zuhan during a press conference in Kluang announced his division’s intention to contest the Mahkota seat, citing Amanah’s past victory in the 14th general election.

This prompted a stern rebuke from Azleen who called on Amanah to not be covetous (“gelojoh”) and show respect for Syarifah’s family who are still mourning.

"To be greedy and hasty are not values that should be encouraged among friends, in the effort to strengthen relations among parties in government,” said Azleen.

No decision yet

Meanwhile, Johor Amanah deputy chairperson Suhaizan Kaiat said no decision has been made by Pakatan Harapan and BN leaders on the Mahkota seat.

“Today’s demand represents the grassroots of Amanah Kluang,” the Pulai MP told Malaysiakini today.

The Election Commission yesterday announced that a meeting to decide on related dates will only be convened on Aug 13.

Zuhan, who is based in Johor Baru, said the division which he set up and led since 2016 now comprises over 2,000 members.

“We are ready at any time with a candidate if tasked to contest the seat,” he stressed.

Earlier, Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong said both Harapan and BN leaders should be allowed to discuss the matter without their demands being aired through the media.

On the same note, he said Johor DAP adhered to the principle of “incumbency” - where the party that won the seat in the previous polls would field a candidate in the by-election as well.

In the 2022 Johor state election, Amanah’s Muhammad Taqiuddin Cheman failed to defend the seat for Harapan in a four-cornered contest against Syarifah, Perikatan Nasional and Warisan.

Mahkota is one of two state seats under the Kluang parliament, the other being Mengkibol, both held by DAP.

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