PN candidate vows to break down DAP's 'wall of racial animosity'

SIMPANG JERAM BY-ELECTION | The Perikatan Nasional candidate for Simpang Jeram, Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya has pledged to break down a purported wall of racial animosity allegedly built by the DAP.

Speaking to reporters at the Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim in Muar, Mazri (above, centre) said apart from strengthening PN’s influence in Johor, he will make his pledge a focus of his campaigns over the next two weeks.

“My focus right now is to expand PN’s influence among Muslims and non-Muslims.

“We also want to break down the ‘wall of animosity’ built by the DAP through their stereotype of PAS as being a party of ‘lebai’,” said the surgeon, referring to the skullcaps commonly worn by Malay-Muslim men.

“So, we want to break that wall by telling DAP there are various groups in PAS and we are all ready to serve the country.”

Simpang Jeram candidates (from left): Independent S Jeganathan, Harapan’s Nazri Abdul Rahman and PN’s Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya

Earlier, the Election Commission announced a three-cornered contest for the Simpang Jeram by-election on Sept 9, involving Mazri, Pakatan Harapan’s Nazri Abdul Rahman, and an independent, S Jeganathan.

Meanwhile, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said his party has featured the best candidate with a professional background.

“In his previous position, he has served everyone regardless of race or religion.

“So, we hope we will be accepted by voters in Simpang Jeram,” he said.

Takiyuddin added that PN’s achievement in the recent six state elections has given the coalition confidence to capture the state seat.

“We are confident that the rising wave of support towards PN in the recent six state elections sends the positive signal that we’re hoping for,” he said.

The Simpang Jeram by-election was called following the death of its incumbent, the late Salahuddin Ayub, who first won the seat in the 14th general election and defended it in the Johor state election last year. - Mkini