Pasir raja: Being the underdog in a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold has not dampened the spirit of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pasir Raja state constituency, Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim. The Johor PKR information chief said his candidacy in Pasir Raja offers a golden opportunity to present new ideas to advance the local community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Fakharuddin, who has been involved in politics and community work since 2010, said he aims to bring further development to residents if given the mandate in the 16th Johor State Election. He stated that his manifesto focuses on three main areas: youth empowerment, infrastructure, and community welfare.
Mohd Fakharuddin emphasized that the first step he would take is to create a sustainable local economic ecosystem for youth to curb migration to cities like Kulai, Johor Bahru, or Singapore. He mentioned that these efforts include strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and supporting young entrepreneurs in the constituency.
He further added that infrastructure is also a priority, especially road quality, public amenities, and internet access, which need improvement in some areas. He pledged to ensure that welfare aid for groups such as the elderly, single mothers, and B40 families is distributed more efficiently and widely.
Mohd Fakharuddin intends to practise a no-protocol leadership style to strengthen ties between the elected representative and the public. "I want the community to contact me directly, chat casually like friends, and see me as part of their family because my office doors will always be open to the people," he said.
Regarding contesting in a BN stronghold, Mohd Fakharuddin stated that he did not feel pressured during the campaign and believed PH had the advantage due to instability and internal issues within the opposing parties. He highlighted the composition of young voters, who make up 54 per cent of the total registered voters in the constituency, and mentioned applying a two-pronged campaign strategy by balancing digital and physical methods.
Mohd Fakharuddin will face a three-cornered fight in the Pasir Raja state seat, which has 29,818 registered voters, going up against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Yuhanita Yunan of Perikatan Nasional (PN). The Johor state election will take place on July 11, while early voting is set for July 7.