Healthy contest in Larkin hot seat, says Muda candidate

 

Rasid Abu Bakar said his focus was to develop upskilling platforms for youths in software development and graphic design. (Muda pic)

JOHOR BAHRU: Muda’s candidate in Larkin, Rasid Abu Bakar, says the six-cornered contest for the state seat, which sees him clashing with PKR’s Dr Zamil Najwah, has been healthy so far.

In an interview with FMT, Rasid said there were “minimal issues” on the campaign trail between those in contention, which include Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional, Pejuang and independent candidate Norramadan Buan.

The 28-year-old said the past week of campaigning had been nothing but a “healthy and clean competition”, adding that this was important in nurturing a flourishing democracy in Malaysia.

He said the only confrontation between the parties in Larkin were the flag wars. “That’s not a big deal. It happens in every election.”

With Muda’s clash with PKR being one of the hot topics in the run up to the polls, Rasid maintained that his party had tried its best to avoid any clashes with the PH component, but conceded that the skirmish in Larkin was unavoidable.

“The decision on seat selection was made based on the candidates. We match the candidates to the seats that fit their profile and character.

“For example, I was born and raised here in Larkin, which is why Muda felt it was right that I contested for the seat,” he said.

One of the younger candidates in the Johor elections, Rasid said his focus for Larkin was to develop upskilling platforms for youths in software development and graphic design, among others.

“I want to show young people that the gig economy is more than just working as a food delivery rider. I believe upskilling is important for economic growth in Larkin.”

Rasid will be up against PKR’s Zamil, BN’s Md Hairi Md Shah, PN’s Zulkifli Bujang, Pejuang’s Mohamad Riadz Mohamad Hashim and Norramadan.

In 2018, more than 60% of voters in Larkin were Malay, according to data from the Election Commission. Bersatu’s Izhar Ahmad won the seat on a PH ticket with 25,012 votes, giving him an 8,590 majority over his closest rival from BN, Yahya Ja’afar. - FMT