Malaysia: Warisan looks to ‘test water’ in Johor, eyes handful of seats

  • Sabah-based Warisan hopes to use Johor as a platform to test the waters for its potential electoral debut in Peninsular Malaysia, according to party insiders. As such, they indicated that Warisan is mulling to contest a handful of seats in Johor.
  • However, it is understood that a final decision will only be made after Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal concludes his Johor tour on 16 Feb 22.
  • “Shafie is in Johor from Monday to Wednesday for several programmes and walkabouts. This is going to also be a way for him to see the local issues and gauge the mood on the ground. All these may help the president to decide whether Warisan is going to contest or not,” a party leader privy about the plan told Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.
  • The party operatives say Warisan is only considering around 3 seats or less. One of the concerns, an insider said, was to avoid colliding with other opposition parties, especially those considered as friendly to Warisan.
  • However, the source noted that if the party decides to contest in Johor, it would be impossible to totally avoid such clashes.
  • By right, there should be a discussion, so that the clashes would be… less impact,” the Warisan insider said, referring to a possible discussion with other parties.
  • Malaysiakini understands that Warisan is also eyeing several Johor politicians who might be potential candidates to represent the party.
  • Shafie’s three-day visit to Johor is also said to evaluate several candidates, who may include former and incumbent elected representatives.
  • It was indicated that former Umno assemblyperson for Kukup, Suhaimi Salleh, who recently joined Warisan, is on the list of those being considered to contest on Warisan’s flag.

External Link : https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/610743

15-Feb-2022