Johor Polls: Premanand Optimistic Of MUDA Breakthrough In Bukit Batu

KULAI, July 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) candidate for the Bukit Batu state seat M. Premanand is confident the constituency can spark a new wave of support for the party in the 16th Johor state election.

Premanand, 53, a first-time state election candidate, said he is optimistic MUDA can repeat its success in Puteri Wangsa at the previous Johor polls.

He attributed his confidence to voters' support for MUDA's commitment to transparency and integrity, as well as the credibility of the party's founder, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, whom he described as consistently working hard for the people despite facing various challenges.

"So, we are very confident that Bukit Batu could be our next target, or maybe all four seats could be ours because the people see MUDA's transparent ideology. If you want a people's representative like Syed Saddiq, you have to vote for MUDA," he told Bernama here today.

Premanand said his status as a Kulai native who is well known among the local community, coupled with his experience as a trainer and organisational development consultant who has worked with various industries nationwide, would help him secure voters' support.

Commenting on his development agenda for Bukit Batu if given the mandate, he said his main priority would be to expand employment opportunities and ensure residents receive decent wages that reflect current industry needs.

He said a significant gap remains between industry needs and the skills possessed by young people, affecting their ability to secure well-paying jobs amid the rising cost of living.

"I want people to earn decent wages without having to work in Singapore. If possible, I want Johor residents to work in Johor, and I want to make sure Bukit Batu becomes an example for Johor, or even Malaysia, in terms of wages," he said.

Premanand said flooding in the constituency was also among the issues requiring immediate attention through efforts to strengthen flood mitigation measures.

The Bukit Batu state seat will see a five-cornered contest involving Premanand, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate R. Kumaran, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Arthur Chiong Sen Sern, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) candidate G. Tamili and Independent candidate Datuk Kamaruzaman Ali.

The 16th Johor state election will be held on July 11, with early voting on July 7.

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

-- BERNAMA

N51: BUKIT BATU - 49,963 VOTERS

1. R. Kumaran (BN-MIC)

2. Datuk Kamaruzaman Ali (Bebas/IND)

3. G. Tamili (Bersama)

4. Chiong Sen Sern (PH-PKR)

5. M. Premanand (MUDA)

(2022: Chiong Sen Sern: PKR: Maj: 137)