Johor polls: Hasni hints at defending Benut

PONTIAN: Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad today hinted that he will defend the Benut seat in the upcoming Johor state election.

The Johor Umno chief, however, said that decision has yet to be finalised.

"If given the chance, I would like to contest in Benut again," he told reporters after handing out Chinese New Year contributions to Benut constituents here today.

Hasni has been the incumbent for Benut since the 12th general election (GE12) in 2008 and in GE14, he defeated Bersatu's Zulkifly Tasrep and Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS) with a majority of 4,447 votes.

On talk that Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari's younger brother, Aziz Shari, 33, will be contesting in Benut as well, Hasni merely replied: "The more the merrier".

JOHOR-HASNI (CONTEST) 2 PONTIAN

Meanwhile, Hasni, who is also Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said BN will field younger candidates to keep up with changes and current demands.

The coalition is currently in the process of identifying suitable candidates, he said.

"UMNO and BN are not static, (we) keep pace with changes. These days, the people want younger candidates and new faces, and we will not ignore these calls for the sake of a stable Johor government," he said.

On Puteri Wangsa assemblyman Mazlan Bujang's decision to quit Bersatu, Hasni hoped Mazlan will continue to be active in politics.

"In the 24 months he (Mazlan) held the position of Johor Education, Information, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman, I feel he has understood the way UMNO and BN work. I think Mazlan has seen for himself the understanding we have and (that has) made him confident to support BN, UMNO and my leadership," he said.

At the same event, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan also confirmed that he will be not contesting in the state election to enable him to focus on his parliamentary duties.

-- BERNAMA