Mahkota polls: BN announces Kluang Umno Youth chief as candidate

Kluang Umno Youth chief Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah has been named the candidate for the unity government in the upcoming Mahkota by-election.

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the decision in Kluang today. BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was also present.

Onn, the BN by-election director, described Syed Hussien as someone winnable, likeable and acceptable.

In his speech before announcing the candidate, Onn requested all party wings to accept the leadership’s decision.

“To all the machinery who have gathered here this evening, we can learn lessons and take guidance from the potential candidates.

“If they can receive the decision with an open heart, I ask that all the machinery accept the top leadership’s decision with an open heart,” Onn said.

Sept 28 polling day

Zahid, who is also Umno president, instructed the candidate to endear himself to the machinery and party supporters within the seven days leading up to nomination day.

“We don’t want any problems after announcing the candidate,” he said.

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

The by-election was called following the death of the incumbent assemblyperson, Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.

At a press conference after the event, Syed Hussien vowed to continue Sharifah’s legacy.

“She has greatly contributed to the people in this area, and as the candidate, I will continue what she has done,” said the 40-year-old businessperson, as quoted by Bernama. 

The Kluang Municipal Council councillor also thanked Onn, Zahid, and Kluang Umno chief Jais Sarday for their trust in continuing Umno’s struggle.

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

Previously, during the Umno annual general assembly, Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad had asked for her wing to be given the opportunity to contest the seat, citing principles of incumbency.

At the same time, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh suggested Syed Hussien as the candidate.

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