PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) today named vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya and businessman Zulkifli Jaafar as its candidates for the Simpang Jeram and Pulai by-elections, respectively.

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the duo were finalised after taking into account all factors and views of PN components.

“Both parties, Bersatu and PAS, have committees that evaluate the candidates based on criteria such as qualifications, experience, nature and activities.

“It is not decided by one person – PAS has a system, Bersatu has a system – after the divisions and branches have listed the potential candidates. We decide on only one person for the contested area,” the Bersatu president told reporters in Johor Bahru after announcing the two candidates today.

He said Mazri and Zulkifli are leaders of calibre and integrity.

Mazri, 54, who is PAS central committee member and former Johor PAS deputy commissioner, contested the Simpang Jeram and Pulai seats in the 2018 general election.

Zulkifli, 50, who is Bersatu’s Pulai deputy chief, is a new face.

Muhyiddin said PN did not offer a specific manifesto for the by-elections, but would explain how it would deal with specific issues concerning the people of Johor, such as poverty and cost of living issues. – Bernama, August 23, 2023.