'Don't be surprised if PN pulls off a shock win in Panti', says PN candidate

KOTA TINGGI - Perikatan Nasional (PN) Panti candidate Mohamad Alias Rasman says the coalition has built strong momentum in the constituency.

He said he was optimistic it can deliver a surprise result on polling day.

Alias said his team had spent the campaign period reaching out to voters from every corner of the semi-urban constituency, which comprises towns, housing estates, traditional villages, Felda settlements and Orang Asli villages.

"We have met people from all communities in Panti. Alhamdulillah, the reception has been very positive.

"Don't be surprised if PN makes a surprise in Panti," he told Sinar Daily.

He said the campaign had covered virtually the entire constituency, allowing PN to engage directly with voters from diverse backgrounds.

When asked why he was fielded in Panti after contesting Johor Lama in the 2022 Johor election, Alias said the move was purely the party's decision, which he respected.

"I contested because of the party's decision. The selection committee made its assessment and chose me and I respect that.

"Kota Tinggi is unique because it is one district but consists of three parliamentary constituencies - Pengerang, Kota Tinggi and Tenggara. Johor Lama and Panti are actually side by side," he said.

Although he is contesting a different seat this time, Alias said he has deep roots in Kota Tinggi.

"I grew up in Kota Tinggi, I studied here, I live here and my family and friends are all here. So I was ready to contest in Panti once the party made its decision," he said.

On campaign issues, Alias acknowledged that both state and federal matters are influencing voter sentiment, although he has deliberately focused on local concerns affecting Panti.

He said this is a state election, so naturally, state issues are important, but noted that federal issues also influence voters, adding that ultimately, the people will decide.

"My campaign focuses on problems faced by the people of Panti because there are still many basic issues that have yet to be resolved," he said.

He added that he recently unveiled six campaign pledges under his 'Panti Berjaya, Johor Juara' agenda, covering environmental protection, infrastructure improvements, employment and industrial opportunities, as well as improving government service delivery.

He believed that both local issues and broader state and federal issues will be considered by the voters.

Addressing undecided voters, Alias said PN presented a new generation of leaders in Johor, noting that the coalition has four candidates under 40 contesting in the state election.

"In Johor, we have four young candidates contesting in Tenggaroh, Panti, Bukit Pasir and Semarang.

"I believe people may be interested in what PN wants to offer. I hope voters will assess my pledges and determine whether they can benefit the people of Panti," he said.

When asked what it would mean if Barisan Nasional (BN) were to retain Johor with only a simple majority, Alias declined to speculate.

"I'll let the people decide," he said.

The Panti seat will see a three-cornered contest between Dr Muhammad Naqib Mohd Ghazali (BN), Alias (PN) and Ahmad Daniel Sharudin (Pakatan Harapan).

The Election Commission has set July 11 as polling day for the Johor state election.