Despite return to BN, Endau candidate gets lukewarm campaign support

 

JOHOR POLLS | BN's decision to field Endau incumbent Alwiyah Talib after her return to Umno just last month appears to have triggered an internal rift within its election machinery, with many grassroots members possibly still bitter over her previous defection to Bersatu.

Based on Malaysiakini's observation, BN campaign activities in the constituency seemed dismal compared to other seats, with only a small group of Umno members, believed to be loyal to Alwiyah, actively involved.

At one point, not a single representative from Umno was seen during a BN programme at the Labong Orang Asli village.

This was unbefitting of her status as a veteran politician in Endau, a seat she first won in 2018 on a BN ticket and later defended in 2022 as a Perikatan Nasional representative.

It is believed that many grassroots members in Endau were still upset with Alwiyah - or better known as Kak Awi - for leaving Umno for Bersatu shortly after the BN government collapsed after the 14th general election.

However, several Umno insiders and Alwiyah downplayed suggestions of a split when approached by Malaysiakini.

More focus on Tenggaroh

An Umno source claimed the situation stemmed from Mersing Umno division chief Youzaimi Yusof being fielded in Tenggaroh, prompting the division machinery to prioritise his campaign.

"Youzaimi is contesting in Tenggaroh. He was supposed to contest the Endau seat, but this was changed at the last minute.

"So, the whole Mersing machinery has shifted its focus to Tenggaroh," the source explained.

The source added that Umno is determined to win Tenggaroh because it is contesting the seat for the first time after MIC had held it for four decades.

"They fear the seat could return to MIC if Youzaimi loses," the source claimed.

Malaysiakini has contacted Youzaimi for a response.

‘Positive support’

Alwiyah, whose campaign slogan is "Endau Kesayanganku" (My Beloved Endau), dismissed the notion that she had been abandoned by the Umno machinery.

She said it was untrue that Mersing Umno did not provide assistance to her campaign drive.

"Throughout the campaign period, which has gone on for a week now, there has been very positive support from the party machinery," she told Malaysiakini.

Alwiyah added that campaign activities in Endau and Tenggaroh were being coordinated jointly.

Alwiyah Talib visiting Endau constituents on the campaign trail

Asked about criticisms against her for previously switching parties, the BN candidate said the issue is no longer relevant.

"I consider it an old issue that is just being used as a prolonged political sentiment.

"I believe the people will judge me based on my track record of service," Alwiyah said.

Endau is a rural constituency with more than 28,000 voters, the majority of whom are fisherfolk and settlers.

Alwiyah is defending her seat in a four-cornered fight against PN’s Hasnul Hakimi Hussien, Saiful Nizam Samat from Pakatan Harapan, and Jati Awang of Parti Orang Asli Malaysia. - FMT