Johor state election: Pejuang to announce its 42 candidates tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA: Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) would be contesting 42 out of the 56 seats in the upcoming Johor state election based on the people's wish and voter composition, said its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said certain factors had to be considered as some constituencies were not suitable for Pejuang to contest, based on the racial factor as it is a Malay party, apart from age and voters' loyalty towards other political parties.

"We are not greedy, so what for to contest all the 56 seats and lose all? We will be contesting seats that we may possibly win," he said at a news conference here today in conjunction with the launching of 'Aspirasi Johor' (Johor Aspirations), which is Pejuang's offer to the people of Johor.

Asked on Pejuang's chances in this election, Dr Mahathir said: "We think we have a good chance."

Polling in the Johor state election is on March 12 with early voting on March 8 following the nomination of candidates on Feb 26.

"We are alone (not joining any coalition) but we have good candidates. I think we can provide the kind of leadership that is needed at this moment in Johor and Malaysia," said Dr Mahathir.

In his first press conference after being discharged from the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Jan 13 following a successful elective medical procedure, Dr Mahathir said he would love to go to Johor to campaign in the election but his recovery was not 100 per cent yet.

He said the doctors had advised him to be careful as he is 97 years old and could not guarantee himself not getting COVID-19 infection.

"I've just recovered from a serious attack but I'm quite able to function well and I know what is happening in the country. I won't lead but I can contribute (in the Johor election)," he said.

Meanwhile, Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said the list of candidates and seats for Pejuang to contest in this state election would be announced in Muar tomorrow.

On 'Aspirasi Johor, Mukhriz said the three focus areas would be prioritising the local people's economy, narrowing the economic gap among the districts and fighting corruption.

"These offers come from the feedback received from various quarters and discussions with the public, non-governmental organisations and academicians," he said after the launching of 'Aspirasi Johor'.

-- BERNAMA