DAP bets on new generation of candidates to shake up Johor election

BATU PAHAT, July 2 — DAP is confident that its line-up of first-time candidates contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the Johor state election can bring meaningful change to their respective constituencies.

DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Johor DAP leadership’s decision to field candidates who had never contested an election reflected the party’s commitment to giving younger leaders the opportunity to step forward and serve the people.

Sim, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives said although they were new faces in electoral politics, the candidates were not newcomers to the political arena, as many had gained extensive experience working behind the scenes for the party.

“We are giving them the opportunity to serve as candidates and, if entrusted by the people, they will go on to become elected representatives. While we are introducing young and new candidates, we are not sidelining our senior leaders.

“We will continue to involve those who have previously served as elected representatives and party leaders in our campaign and grassroots efforts,” he told Bernama after a breakfast session with DAP’s Parit Raja state seat candidate here today.

Also present were DAP assistant national publicity secretary Young Syefura Othman and the party’s Parit Raja candidate Shazwan Dzainal Abidin.

Young Syefura said the party was fully backing its new candidates to demonstrate that every individual within DAP possessed the capability to lead, while also providing them with the opportunity to showcase their potential at the grassroots level.

She said Shazwan, who hails from Batu Pahat, has nearly a decade of political experience, including serving as special officer to the Penggaram state assemblyman.

Young Syefura also praised Shazwan’s positive spirit throughout the first six days of campaigning, despite Parit Raja being widely regarded as one of Barisan Nasional’s strongholds.

Meanwhile, Shazwan said he was encouraged by the warm reception from local residents, admitting that he had initially felt nervous about contesting in the constituency.

“I am excited to be contesting in what has traditionally been an UMNO and BN stronghold. However, the response from the people has been very encouraging. Some even approached me for selfies, and that has given me added confidence,” he said.

In the Johor polls, DAP, contesting under the PH banner, is fielding 17 candidates in Jementah, Bekok, Tangkak, Bentayan, Yong Peng, Parit Raja, Penggaram, Mengkibol, Paloh, Tiram, Johor Jaya, Stulang, Perling, Skudai, Bukit Permai, Senai and Pekan Nanas.

A total of 172 candidates are contesting in the Johor state election, with polling on July 11 and early voting on July 7. — Bernama