While Maszlee is a recognised name among PH’s candidates, the rest of the slate comprises many younger politicians making their election debut, especially for PH’s main component party, the DAP.
This includes Johor Jaya’s Lee Wern Yiing, 30, who is taking over the mantle from the incumbent Liow, Felicia Poh, 28, who is being named as a candidate for Penggaram to replace veteran Gan Peck Cheng who will be retiring and Gan’s private secretary Shazwan Dzainal Abidin who will be contesting in Parit Raja.
Chin told CNA that it is not a surprise that PH is not fielding candidates like DAP’s Liew since the focus of these individuals should be on federal matters.
“He is a deputy minister so his attention should be focused on that, “ said Chin.
Meanwhile, Azmi said that PH’s decision to field new faces and drop recognised ones may backfire.
“They are putting out younger blood but this may be a gamble as voters want stable hands. Maszlee Malik is one example of a recognised name but there are not many others on their list to offer to Johoreans,” he added.
Political observer Ong Kian Ming, who is adjunct professor at Taylor’s University, echoed similar sentiments, saying how voters react to PH refreshing its ranks could be one of the main themes for the polls.
“Will this come back to ‘bite’ the DAP and PH because of the lack of ‘big names’ being fielded in the state seats especially with Liew Chin Tong, former Johor Jaya assemblyman Liow Cai Tung and former Mengkibol assemblyman Chew Chong Sin not contesting?” he said.
Ong, who is a former federal lawmaker for DAP and former deputy minister for investment, trade and industry, added that another key theme to look out for is the fierce contest between BN and PH in Johor and how it could also impact their ties at the federal level.
“(What to observe keenly is) how this may lead to other political developments that could expedite a general election later this year,” he added.
Additional reporting by Izzah Aqilah Norman
