MERSING - The positive response from voters towards Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Endau seat, Alwiyah Talib, is expected to strengthen the coalition’s campaign momentum ahead of polling day on July 11.
BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the reception shown by the local community towards Alwiyah, affectionately known as "Kak Awi”, had been highly encouraging throughout the campaign period.
The Johor Menteri Besar said Alwiyah’s return to BN reflected the spirit of the Rumah Bangsa concept initiated by UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which emphasises unity and inclusiveness within the coalition.
"We all know that Kak Awi is a capable leader. Although she was previously with the opposition, she has always worked for the people.
"Alhamdulillah, we welcomed her back into the BN fold and, for the sake of the Johor people, there is no issue in continuing this struggle together,” he told reporters at the "Santai ONN X ONN Bersama Menteri Besar Johor” in Endau today.
Also present was BN candidate for Tenggaroh, Mohd Youzaimi Yusof.
Onn Hafiz added that the party machinery in both Endau and Tenggaroh appeared fully prepared and committed to ensuring victory for BN candidates in the upcoming election.
"Insya-Allah, we pray that this momentum continues right up to polling day on July 11,” he said, adding that the Johor state election campaign had so far proceeded smoothly without any untoward incidents.
In the 2022 Johor state election, Alwiyah, then contesting under Perikatan Nasional (PN), retained the Endau seat with a majority of 3,041 votes in a five-cornered contest.
She had previously won the constituency under the BN banner in the 14th General Election before later joining Bersatu.
Polling for the Johor state election will take place on July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7. BERNAMA