FORMER education minister Maszlee Malik has been named as PKR’s candidate for the Layang-Layang seat.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim in making the announcement said Maszlee is an “icon” who will do well in the constituency.

“Even though he is a new addition to the party, he is an icon in his own right and has been championing the same causes as us,” said Anwar at an event at the Rengit PKR command centre. The event was telecast live on the party’s social media channels.

“I am confident that he will do well and excel in Layang-Layang.”

Layang-Layang is one of two state seats in the Simpang Renggam parliamentary constituency, of which Maszlee is the MP.

The former Bersatu leader has been touted as a possible menteri besar candidate.

Anwar was supposed to announce the party’s candidates for the central region but he only announced Maszlee’s candidacy.

He said he needs a couple of more days to finalise the remaining candidates for the region.

He also said the announcement for the eastern region later tonight has been also postponed.

“For the rest – east and central – let there be some suspense so people will work harder,” he said.

Earlier today, Anwar unveiled PKR’s five candidates for the southern region.

The candidates are S. Gopalakrishnan (Tiram), Dr Zamil Najwah Arbain (Larkin), Napsiah Khamis (Kempas), Chiong Sen Sern (Bukit Batu) and Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim (Bukit Raja).

PKR was supposed to have named 20 candidates today but the postponement could be due to ongoing negotiations with Muda, which is seeking three seats from PKR.

Earlier, Amanah and DAP have given six seats to Muda to contest in the Johor state elections. – February 14, 2022.