Johor Polls: BN Incumbent, PH Challenger Promise Civil, Mature Campaigning In Semerah

BATU PAHAT, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Semerah state seat will see a three-cornered contest in the Johor state election, with candidates from Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) pledging to campaign with civility while seeking voters’ support based on their respective track records and vision for the constituency.

Incumbent Fared Khalid of BN will defend the seat against Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar of PH and Halim Kepol of PN, following the close of nominations at 10 am today. The announcement was made by Returning Officer Nazid Jasiman at the nomination centre at Dewan Seri Mahkota, MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Batu Pahat.

Fared expressed confidence that Semerah would set an example of a harmonious election campaign, noting that all three candidates are locals who know one another well.

He described both Mohd Khuzzan and Halim as capable and respectable leaders, saying political differences would not affect the close ties shared within the community.

“Both are from Semerah and are part of this community. There is no reason for hostility. I can assure you that N17 Semerah will demonstrate one of the most harmonious election campaigns. The people of Semerah do not believe in conflict. We have always upheld unity and consensus," he told reporters after the nomination process.

On his bid to retain the seat, Fared said he would rely on his four-year record of continuous service to constituents.

He said that community welfare would remain his priority, with greater use of social media to disseminate information and engage with residents.

Asked whether he expected a tough contest, Fared said no election should be taken for granted, adding that BN welcomed the democratic process and would campaign with courtesy and mutual respect.

“Nothing comes easily. BN treats every challenge seriously, and we want to celebrate this democratic process with civility and good judgment. Insya-Allah, the people will continue to support us in building a more progressive Johor by 2030,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khuzzan pledged to offer the best possible service to Semerah residents, highlighting his experience as a former state assemblyman and state executive councillor, which he believed would enable him to continue driving development and prosperity for the constituency.

“Insya-Allah, we will give our very best to the people of Semerah. We will highlight what we have achieved during my tenure as state assemblyman and executive councillor between 2018 and 2022,” he said.

PH Communications Director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who accompanied Mohd Khuzzan during the nomination process, described the candidate as an experienced and capable leader who was well-positioned to serve the people of Semerah.

“I am pleased and proud to be here in support of him. He has extensive experience and a strong track record, and I am confident he will put that experience to good use for the benefit of the people and voters of Semerah,” he said.

Polling for the Johor state election will be held on July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7.

For the latest updates on the Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.

-- BERNAMA