PH-BN compatibility more evident in Johor by-elections, says Umno Youth chief

The compatibility of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) machinery is more evident in the by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary constituency and Simpang Jeram state seat, says Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

Akmal said the compatibility displayed by the machinery, especially the commitment from Umno Youth in the by-elections, was stronger than it was during the recent state elections, putting to rest claims that Johor BN had rejected the PH candidate in Pulai, Suhaizan Kaiat.

He said Umno Youth in Pulai stood in solidarity with Suhaizan, who represented the PH-BN coalition, to ensure that the seat remained with PH.

"Although it is the first time that BN is not contesting in the Pulai seat, in the spirit of our unity, we stand together in solidarity to support the PH candidate.

"Compatibility between the machinery is also improving day by day, and this momentum will continue until Sept 9 (polling day)," he told reporters during a ceramah session also attended by Suhaizan at Taman Cempaka, Kempas in Johor Bahru last night.

Akmal said the BN machinery and leadership would continue to explain and provide a better understanding to its grassroots of the cooperation under the coalition government, which would hopefully translate into votes for the PH candidate.

In the Pulai parliamentary by-election, Suhaizan faces a three-cornered fight against Perikatan Nasional's Zulkifli Jaafar and Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi who is contesting as an independent.

The by-elections for the Pulai and Simpang Jeram seats follow the death of incumbent Salahuddin Ayub, who was also the minister of domestic trade and cost of living, on July 23.

The Election Commission has set the by-elections for both seats to be held simultaneously, with early voting on Sept 5 and polling day on Sept 9.