PAKATAN Harapan has shortlisted its potential candidates for the Tg Piai parliamentary seat by-election and will announce it by the end of this month, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Bersatu president said the age factor was among the criteria for the candidate of the November 16 by-election.

Other factors include experience, leadership qualities and good background.

“We are almost ready to announce. We will announce by the end of this month.

“The candidate must be someone who can carry out his or her role as an elected rep,” Muhyiddin said after attending an event in Pontian today.

Muhyiddin, who is also home minister, said that a survey conducted in the area indicated that PH had a chance of retaining the seat.

“We are confident of retaining Tg Piai. Reports are coming in and, based on my visits to the area, the sentiment is quite good.

“Although the people in Tg Piai face economic, income and cost of living issues, their confidence in PH is still there. The trend in our favour is positive.” 

Muhyiddin, who is also PH’s election director for the by-election, said support among voters for PH in Tg Piai was on the rise.

“The spirit of the people in Johor is different. They have confidence in PH at the state and federal levels.

“The late MP, although he had only served them for a short period, had nevertheless served them well,” he added.

The by-election was necessitated following the sudden death of Bersatu’s Dr Md Farid Md Rafik on September 21.

He had won the seat from MCA/Barisan Nasional in the last general election.

The Election Commission fixed nomination for November 2 and polling day falls on November 16.

As for BN, both the local Umno division and MCA are fighting to contest in the polls.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said a decision would be made soon on its candidate. – October 19, 2019.