In Endau, a tussle between a service record and reform agenda

 BN's candidate Alwiyah Talib is seeking a third term in the state assembly, her challenger, PH newcomer Saiful Nizam Samat has a 'reform formula".

Alwiyah Talib (BN) in in a four-cornered contest with Saiful Nizam Samat (PH), Hasnul Hakimi Hussien of Perikatan Nasional and Jati Awang of Parti Orang Asli Malaysia.

MERSING:

The Endau state seat is set to become a dynamic battleground between the two-term track record of service of Barisan Nasional’s Alwiyah Talib and the “reform formula” offered by her challenger, Pakatan Harapan’s young intellectual, Saiful Nizam Samat.

The seat in northern Johor is a four-cornered fight, with Hasnul Hakimi Hussien of Perikatan Nasional and Parti Orang Asli Malaysia candidate Jati Awang also in the running.

Alwiyah, known as Kak Awi, has anchored her campaign on the sincerity of her two terms as assemblyman, in which she sought to boost Endau’s inland tourism economy to complement tourism in the nearby islands.

She sees huge potential especially for kampung stays in Teluk Buih, Penyabong and Tanjung Resang.

Alwiyah also wants to change the public’s perception of Mersing, which is often regarded as merely a “gateway” to the surrounding islands, by promoting destinations such as Pulau Mawar, Pantai Air Papan and Teluk Gorek as sustainable homestay hubs.

“All these plans and efforts must continue to ensure the tourism sector remains competitive and does not stall midway,” she said here recently.

Alwiyah is also focusing on developing the education sector, with a new secondary school being built in Pekan Endau to complement the existing SMK Ungku Husin.

Alwiyah won the Endau state seat in 2022 under the PN ticket before rejoining BN.

Her challenger, 42-year-old Saiful Nizam, offers a contrasting narrative. A Phd candidate in economis, he brings with him a “think tank” profile and is presenting a systemic approach to development, through education, economic progress and food security.

A first-time candidate, Saiful said he intends to revolutionise the fisheries sector and empower local small and medium enterprises to curb youth migration to urban areas.

“When the fishermen’s economy becomes sustainable the spillover effects will also help elevate the livelihoods of the surrounding entrepreneurs, thus opening more job opportunities for the local community,” he said.

He also wants to encourage the use of modern farming methods to increase income and strengthen the country’s food security.

Saiful Nizam is also offering educational assistance and skills programmes, in technical and vocational programmes as well as English language training. He said he plans to create a children’s education fund in Endau to help those in need, and ensure local community programmes can be held continuously.

A total of 172 candidates are vying for 56 state seats in the Johor election, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7.

Constituency profile

N32: ENDAU: 28,767 voters

Candidates

1. Hasnul Hakimi Hussien (PN-PAS)
2. Jati Awang (ASLI)
3. Saiful Nizam Samat (PH-PKR)
4. Alwiyah Talib (BN-UMNO)

(2022 result: Alwiyah Talib: PN-Bersatu: Majority: 3,041) - FMT