Kluang Umno submits three names for Mahkota by-election

Kluang Umno has submitted the names of three prospective candidates for the Mahkota by-election slated for Sept 28.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the 2024 Umno General Assembly today, Kluang division chief Md Jais Sarday fell short of disclosing the names of the candidates.

“We submitted the names of the candidates early on and our candidates are from the (Kluang) division.

“But I can’t reveal their names,” Jais (above) said in a press conference today.

The Election Commission set Sept 28 as the polling day for the Mahkota by-election, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for Sept 14 and 24, respectively.

The election was called following Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain’s death on Aug 2 at Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang.

In the March 2022 Johor state election, Sharifah, who represented BN, won the seat with a majority of 5,166 votes.

Wanita Umno and Umno Youth have since shown interest in fielding a candidate from their respective chapter for the looming by-election in Johor.

Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad asked for her wing to be given a shot to uphold the legacy of the late Sharifah.

As for Umno Youth, a motion to field Kluang Umno Youth chief Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah as the BN candidate has been put forward.

In response, Jais said his quarter does not have qualms about who the candidate will be, but stressed that he or she must come from the party’s division leadership.

Amanah to support BN campaign

“It’s up to the top leadership. As long as the candidate is from the Umno division leadership.

“For me, this by-election is important because victory is crucial as (the Mahkota seat) is Umno’s stronghold.

“I also hope that the chosen candidate will win and be able to help strengthen the party,” he said.

Previously, Kluang Amanah defended the division’s bid to contest the Mahkota seat, announced several days after Sharifah’s passing.

While pointing out that Amanah was “rigid” at the start, Jais today revealed that discussions have been held and the matter has since been resolved.

“They (Amanah) will also help us, like how we assisted them in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections,” he added.

Further, he said the Umno and BN machinery on the division level are ready for the upcoming by-election.

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