JOHOR BAHRU - Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Mohd Hairi Mad Shah has pledged to run a professional and respectful campaign in Larkin.
He will face Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the newly established Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) in a three-cornered fight in the Johor state election.
After the nomination process, Hairi embraced his PH rival, Suhaizan Kayat, calling him a good friend and pledging to campaign professionally despite being political opponents.
Suhaizan is Pulai Member of Parliament and Amanah's Johor vice chairman.
“He’s my good friend. Insyaallah, we will conduct this campaign professionally for the sake of this prosperous state,” Hairi said after the two candidates greeted each other outside the nomination centre.
Hairi, who won the Larkin seat in the 2022 Johor state election, said his priority is to defend the constituency for BN.
However, he stressed that he would not take either of his opponents lightly, saying every candidate enters the race with their own strengths.
“My team and I will do everything we can to retain Larkin. As I’ve always said, I never underestimate my opponents.
“Everyone contesting on this level playing field has their own strengths and we respect that,” he said.
Besides Suhaizan, Hairi will also face Nursinah Abu of Bersama - the party co-founded by former PKR leaders, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Hairi expressed hope that the remainder of the campaign and polling day would proceed peacefully and smoothly, calling for a healthy and professional contest throughout the election period.