PEJUANG will go it alone in the upcoming Johor polls and contest in 42 seats, said the party president tonight.

Mukhriz Mahathir said the party will not be working with other opposition parties in the state elections slated for March 12, including youth-based Muda.

“We are not confident in this ‘big tent’ concept, as it comes from quarters (Pakatan Harapan) that signed a memorandum of understanding with the government,” he told reporters, after launching the party election machinery at Dewan Koperasi Perpaduan Iskandar Puteri in Skudai, Johor.

“We cannot be seen working with the government of the day as it consists of kleptocrats… we cannot sign any agreement with this government. As such… it is right for us to contest on our own.”

The Jerlun MP said Pejuang hopes to capture the support of fence sitters in the polls.

“There are 56 state seats, but we will focus on only 42. Our candidates will contest under our own banner.

“Feedback shows that we are a bit behind Barisan Nasional and Umno, but there are fence sitters. Pejuang can win if it can convince them.”

Pejuang is finalising its candidate line-up and will announce it before nomination day, he added.

Mukhriz said the party will not be naming its menteri besar candidate yet, and instead use chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its ‘poster boy’. – February 10, 2022.