Elderly, Family And Community Take Centre Stage In Kartiyaini’s Skudai Campaign

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 -- Being a true native of Skudai gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate J. Kartiyaini a distinct edge in the state constituency race, as she knows the local heartbeat, especially when it comes to the needs of senior citizens. The 37-year-old lawyer says growing up in Taman Sri Skudai has deeply shaped her vision: to ensure that infrastructure development in the area builds a community that is genuinely more elderly-friendly and family-oriented. "I still live in Skudai, and my parents are still here too. That's why I often ask myself, when we build new facilities, are we really thinking about their needs? "When we upgrade housing areas, are we putting them first? I want to see Skudai become a place that truly welcomes and supports its elderly residents," she told Bernama. As the eldest of two siblings, she pointed out that nearly 30 per cent of Skudai's population, about 31,722 people, are now aged 55 and above. That statistic, she says, makes it all the more urgent to provide more public amenities and programmes tailored specifically to their needs. A law graduate from Universiti Malaya, Kartiyaini says her top priority is to take a holistic look at public facilities, starting with upgrading bus stops to make them more comfortable and accessible for everyone. Beyond infrastructure, she also aims to roll out more weekly activities to keep senior citizens active and living purposefully long after retirement. Affectionately known as "Karti" among locals, she wants to expand community programmes like carnivals and leisure spaces near residential areas, not just for fun, but to bring families closer together. "It's not only about strengthening community ties. It also helps parents provide meaningful activities for their children during free time and school holidays, without having to rely purely on shopping malls as the go-to recreational spot," she explained. Although the Skudai state seat is traditionally a Pakatan Harapan stronghold, Kartiyaini acknowledges that today's political landscape demands that elected representatives consistently deliver strong performance to maintain voter trust. Drawing from her experience serving at the Perling State Assembly office and as political secretary to the Buntong assemblyman in Perak from 2022 to 2024, Kartiyaini is confident in her ability to deliver more effective service to the people of Skudai. She intends to continue the grassroots, walk-about approach and provide cross-community services that have long been the bedrock of PH's strength, while also introducing a more structured complaint management system to ensure every issue is tracked and followed through to resolution. The Skudai seat, which has 106,805 registered voters, sees Kartiyaini facing a four-cornered fight against Tan Hiang Kee from Barisan Nasional (BN), Eugene Chua Meng Chong from Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), and Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre from the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM). The Johor state election features 172 candidates vying for 56 state assembly seats, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 — Being a true native of Skudai gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate J. Kartiyaini a distinct edge in the state constituency race, as she knows the local heartbeat, especially when it comes to the needs of senior citizens. The 37-year-old lawyer says growing up in Taman Sri Skudai has deeply shaped […]

Johor Polls: Underdog Status Does Not Dampen Spirit Of PH Candidate In Pasir Raja

KOTA TINGGI, June 29 -- Being the underdog in a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold has not dampened the spirit of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pasir Raja state constituency, Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim. The Johor PKR information chief said his candidacy in Pasir Raja offers a golden opportunity to present new ideas to advance the local community. Mohd Fakharuddin, involved in politics and community work since 2010, said he aims to bring further development to residents if given the mandate in the 16th Johor State Election. He said his manifesto focuses on three main areas: youth empowerment, infrastructure, and community welfare. "The first step I will take is to create a sustainable local economic ecosystem for youth to curb migration to cities like Kulai, Johor Bahru, or Singapore," he told Bernama here recently. He said these efforts include strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and supporting young entrepreneurs in the constituency. Mohd Fakharuddin added that infrastructure is also a priority, especially road quality, public amenities, and internet access, which need improvement in some areas. He pledged to ensure that welfare aid for groups such as the elderly, single mothers, and B40 families is distributed more efficiently and widely. He also intends to practise a no-protocol leadership style to strengthen ties between the elected representative and the public. "I want the community to contact me directly, chat casually like friends, and see me as part of their family because my office doors will always be open to the people," he said. Asked about contesting in a BN stronghold, Mohd Fakharuddin said he did not feel pressured during the campaign and believed PH had the advantage due to instability and internal issues within the opposing parties. "We also need to look at the composition of young voters, who make up 54 per cent of the total registered voters in this constituency. Therefore, I am applying a two-pronged campaign strategy by balancing digital and physical methods," he said. Mohd Fakharuddin will face a three-cornered fight in the Pasir Raja state seat, which has 29,818 registered voters, going up against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Yuhanita Yunan of Perikatan Nasional (PN). The Johor state election will take place on July 11, while early voting is set for July 7. -- BERNAMA

KOTA TINGGI, June 29 — Being the underdog in a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold has not dampened the spirit of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pasir Raja state constituency, Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim. The Johor PKR information chief said his candidacy in Pasir Raja offers a golden opportunity to present new ideas to advance the […]

Datuk Ramanan Confident Pakatan Harapan Can Secure Victory in Layang-Layang

KLUANG, June 27 -- Pakatan Harapan deputy election director Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has expressed confidence that the coalition can secure victory in the Layang-Layang state seat, citing the strong support demonstrated by party machinery and supporters during the nomination process. Ramanan said more than 2,000 Pakatan Harapan members, volunteers and supporters gathered to accompany the coalition's candidate, Guna Balakrishnan, to the nomination centre for the Layang-Layang state by-election. He said the nomination process proceeded smoothly, while the enthusiasm displayed by the party machinery remained high throughout the event. "The unwavering commitment shown by our supporters and volunteers reflects the people's desire for positive change. Their presence and spirit prove that this struggle is driven by ordinary Malaysians who want a better future," he said in a statement on Saturday. Ramanan expressed his appreciation to all party workers, volunteers and supporters who had gathered since early morning to lend their support to the coalition's candidate. He said the focus of Pakatan Harapan's campaign would now be on reaching every voter and ensuring that public support is translated into victory on polling day. "I am confident that the people of Layang-Layang want progress, stability and a brighter future together with the MADANI Government," he said. Ramanan also called on party members and campaign workers to intensify their efforts throughout the campaign period by engaging with voters across the constituency. The event was also attended by Teja assemblyman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, Tualang Sekah assemblyman Mohd Azlan Helmi and Hutan Melintang assemblywoman Wasanthee Sinnasamy. -- MINUTESMY

KLUANG, June 27 — Pakatan Harapan deputy election director Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has expressed confidence that the coalition can secure victory in the Layang-Layang state seat, citing the strong support demonstrated by party machinery and supporters during the nomination process. Ramanan said more than 2,000 Pakatan Harapan members, volunteers and supporters gathered to accompany […]

Pakatan Harapan to Announce Johor State Election Candidates at Bukit Gambir Rally

JOHOR BAHRU, June 21 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) will officially unveil its candidates for the 16th Johor State Election (PRN Johor) at a major gathering scheduled to take place at Bukit Gambir Extreme Park tomorrow evening. The candidate announcement ceremony will be held on June 22 at 7.30 pm and is expected to draw supporters from across the state as PH kicks off its campaign for the upcoming election. The event will feature several top coalition leaders, including Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Sabu, and Loke Siew Fook. Organisers have called on Johoreans to attend the event and witness what they describe as a historic moment for the state, while demonstrating support for the coalition's vision of moving Johor forward. Held under the theme “Johor Ke Depan” (Johor Forward), the gathering is expected to outline PH’s election agenda and rally public support ahead of polling day. The coalition is campaigning under the slogans “Undi Harapan” (Vote for Hope) and “Tekad MADANI, Harapan Rakyat” (MADANI Determination, People's Hope) as it seeks a strong mandate from voters in the state election. -- MINUTESMY

JOHOR BAHRU, June 21 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) will officially unveil its candidates for the 16th Johor State Election (PRN Johor) at a major gathering scheduled to take place at Bukit Gambir Extreme Park tomorrow evening. The candidate announcement ceremony will be held on June 22 at 7.30 pm and is expected to draw supporters […]

Johor State Election: PH To Announce Candidates On Monday – Dr Zaliha

JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) is expected to announce the list of candidates contesting in the Johor state election this Monday, said Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Zaliha, who is also PKR vice president, said the announcement was expected to be made at a ceremony involving the party's top leadership, including PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "The announcement of candidates has been agreed upon by the state and central PH. God willing, we will hold it in the north of Johor, possibly in Bukit Gambir, Tangkak," she said in an interview with Bernama. bootstrap slideshow Dr Zaliha said the selection of the location in the northern part of Johor was to further fuel the wave of support from the people which was seen to be increasing after several series of programmes in the northern zone, including in Bukit Naning, which showed very encouraging responses. Elaborating further, she said the selection of candidates involved views from the branch level to ensure that those chosen truly understood the needs of the local community and had a good service record. “We also include elements of professionals, young people, women and racial diversity so that there is balance in the team of candidates that are presented,” she said. bootstrap slideshow Dr Zaliha said that apart from representing various community groups, the candidates chosen also need to have the ability to contribute to PH’s larger goals in this election. She said PH did not enter the election arena simply to increase the number of seats it had won previously, but rather with the target of forming a state government. PH will contest in all 56 State Legislative Assembly seats with PKR fielding candidates in 20 seats, DAP (17) and Amanah (19). The Johor state election is set for July 11, with nominations on June 27 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) is expected to announce the list of candidates contesting in the Johor state election this Monday, said Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Zaliha, who is also PKR vice president, said the announcement was expected to be made at a ceremony involving the party’s top […]

PM Anwar Calls on Johoreans to Defend Politics of Hope and National Reform

JOHOR BAHRU, June 16 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called on the people of Johor to remain steadfast in supporting what he described as the "politics of hope" and a reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, justice and good governance in Malaysia. Speaking at a gathering in Johor, Anwar stressed that the nation's political struggle has never been solely about winning elections, but rather about determining the direction Malaysia takes in the years ahead. "Our struggle has never been just about winning elections. It is about deciding whether Malaysia continues to be driven by old politics filled with hatred and abuse of power, or moves forward based on the principles of accountability, justice and respect for the people," he said. The Prime Minister said the Unity Government has demonstrated that its reform commitments are more than mere slogans, citing improvements in governance, efforts to combat corruption, increased investments and the restoration of international confidence in Malaysia. "We have proven that what we promised is not merely rhetoric. Governance has been strengthened, corruption has been challenged, investments have increased and global confidence in Malaysia has recovered," he said. However, Anwar acknowledged that the government's reform journey remains a work in progress and that many challenges still need to be addressed. He noted that there are still shortcomings within the system that require correction, citizens who need greater protection and assistance, and public concerns that must continue to be heard and addressed. "The journey is still long and far from perfect. There are many things that need to be improved, many citizens who need to be defended and assisted, more voices that must be heard, and weaknesses in the system that need to be closed," he said. Anwar urged Johoreans to continue supporting an inclusive political approach that promotes unity and mutual respect among Malaysians. "With the support of the people, we will continue working harder to uplift the nation's dignity and ensure Malaysia emerges as a strong, just and respected country," he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

JOHOR BAHRU, June 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called on the people of Johor to remain steadfast in supporting what he described as the “politics of hope” and a reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, justice and good governance in Malaysia. Speaking at a gathering in Johor, Anwar stressed that the […]