Johor bahru: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Larkin seat, Suhaizan Kaiat, is optimistic about recapturing the seat from Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 16th Johor state election. He said his confidence is based on voting patterns seen during the 14th General Election (GE14), which demonstrated that BN could be defeated in the constituency when voter turnout is high.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the outcome of the 2022 Johor state election should not be treated as a definitive benchmark, as turnout then stood at only 51 percent due to limitations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suhaizan stated, "The more accurate picture is reflected in the general election. If turnout in this state election improves, then our chances of winning will be stronger," after an engagement with constituents in Larkin.

The Pulai Member of Parliament also believes there is potential support from Bersatu voters to shift towards PH following recent political developments affecting the relationship between Bersatu and PAS. Suhaizan noted that PH's previous cooperation with Bersatu in an earlier political alliance could encourage Bersatu supporters to back him, particularly as Bersatu is not fielding a candidate in Larkin this time.

In GE14, the Larkin seat was won by Datuk Mohd Izhar Ahmad, who contested under the PH (Bersatu) banner, before BN's Mohd Hairi Mad Shah reclaimed the seat in the 2022 Johor state election. In this election, Suhaizan faces a three-cornered contest against Bersama candidate Norsinah Abu and incumbent Mohd Hairi.

The Johor state election features 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling set for July 11 and early voting scheduled for July 7.