PH announces Kermaine as candidate for Tanjung Piai by-election

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 Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (third left) introduces Karmaine Sardini as PH’s candidate for Tanjung Piai by-election.

PONTIAN: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has announced Tanjung Piai Bersatu division head Karmaine Sardini, 66, as its candidate for the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16.

The announcement was made by Johor PH chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the launch of the PH by-election machinery here today.

Muhyiddin, who is also president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) said although there were many eligible candidates for the seat, Karmaine was chosen as the candidate as he met PH’s criteria.

“Many names were given but the leadership felt that Karmaine was the suitable candidate based on several factors – he is a local, he was born here and he has the qualifications.

“These are the criteria which the leadership want to continue the struggle of the late Datuk Dr Md Farid Md Rafik in Tanjung Piai, as this constituency needs development in terms of economy, social, education and other aspects,” he told reporters after the event here today.

Muhyiddin also said Karmaine had a heavy responsibility as he not only has to continue with the efforts of the late Dr Md Farid but if elected, he also has to be fair and just to the local multi-racial community.

He said when Karmaine is elected, it would be easier for him to carry out his duties because as a representative of PH, he could meet with Johor Menteri Besar on issues pertaining to the state and  it would be easier for him to obtain assistance and allocation to help him develop Tanjung Piai.

Asked about PH’s preparations for the by-election, Muhyiddin said the party machinery had been mobilised and he was satisfied with the preparations.

“We are also aware of what issues and problems which plague the local people. Most have been resolved, not because of the by-election which is a coincidence…such as the development projects which are on-going,” Muhyiddin who is also Home Minister, said.

He said the efforts of the machinery will focus not just on the 16 Polling District Centres (PDM) which PH lost during the 14th General Election (GE14), but also on those areas where it won.

Earlier, in his speech, Muhyiddin thanked Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali for the additional allocation of RM7 million to develop Tanjung Piai.

The constituency had previously obtained RM14.7 million worth of 17 projects through Dr Md Farid.

An anaesthesiologist, Dr Md Farid was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department when he died on Sept 21 due to heart complications.

In GE14, he defeated Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng and Nordin Othman from PAS with a majority of 524 votes. – Bernama