KLUANG Umno Youth chief Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah has been announced as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Mahkota by-election.
His candidacy was announced by Johor Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi yesterday, after receiving the approval of BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The announcement was met with cheers from more than 5,000 BN, Umno and Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters, despite the event taking place in the rain.
Syed Hussien was previously one of two names shortlisted and widely mentioned as a potential BN candidate, alongside deputy Kluang Wanita Umno chief Zainani Jamaluddin.
Earlier, Zahid said that BN had received 17 nominations from various divisions, including Women, Youth, and Puteri Wings.
“The selection of this candidate was based on winnability and acceptability among the electorate in the Mahkota state constituency.
“I have discussed this with the menteri besar and several parties to assess the candidate’s chances of victory.
“Whoever is chosen as the candidate needs to take the next seven days (before nomination day) to rally all machinery and voters,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the BN Machinery and Candidate Introduction for the Mahkota by-election at the operations room here today.
Present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Amanah vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, and several BN and PH component party leaders.
In addition, Zahid said the candidate announced today not only represented BN, but was also recognised as the unity government’s candidate.
“During the Pulai Parliamentary and Simpang Jeram by-elections, BN did not contest because of the collaborative support that led to victory.
“The same spirit we had when we won in the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat will be brought to Mahkota, as the combination here is strong, giving BN a bright opportunity,” he said.
The Election Commission (EC) had set the voting day by-election on Sept 28.
SPR Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun stated that the nomination and early voting dates are set for Sept 14 and 24, respectively.
