by BERNAMA/ pic by BERNAMA

PAKATAN Harapan (PH) has announced Tanjung Piai Bersatu division head Karmaine Sardini (picture), 66, as its candidate for the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16.

The announcement was made by Johor PH chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the launch of the PH by-election machinery in Pontian, Johor, yesterday.

Muhyiddin said although there were many eligible candidates for the seat, Karmaine was chosen as the candidate as he met PH’s criteria.

“Many names were given, but the leadership felt that Karmaine is the suitable candidate based on several factors — he is a local, he was born here and he has the qualifications.

“These are the criteria which the leadership want (in order) to continue the struggle of the late Datuk Dr Md Farid Md Rafik in Tanjung Piai, as this constituency needs development in terms of economy, social, education and other aspects,” he told reporters.

Muhyiddin also said Karmaine has a heavy responsibility as not only he has to continue with the efforts of the late Dr Md Farid, but if elected, he also has to be fair and just to the multiracial local community.

He said when Karmaine is elected, it would be easier for him to carry out his duties because as a representative of PH, he could meet with Johor mentri besar on issues pertaining to the state and it would be easier for him to obtain assistance and allocation to help him develop Tanjung Piai.

Asked about PH’s preparations for the by-election, Muhyiddin said the party machinery has been mobilised and he is satisfied with the preparations.

“We are also aware of what issues and problems plague the local people. Most have been resolved, not because of the by-election which is a coincidence…such as the development projects which are ongoing,” Muhyiddin said.

He said the efforts of the machinery will focus not just on the polling district centres which PH lost during the 14th General Election, but also on those areas where it won.