KULAI, June 14 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has officially named Arthur Chiong Sen Sern as the coalition’s first candidate for the upcoming Johor state election.

The 36-year-old Bukit Batu incumbent will defend the diverse suburban state seat in Kulai.

PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail made the announcement, describing Chiong as a candidate capable of retaining the seat in the state election.

“Saudara Arthur (Chiong) is also the best candidate to defend the Bukit Batu seat that won in the previous state election.

“His endorsement was made by PH chairman and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who agreed for me to announce his candidacy tonight,” he said at the Bukit Batu PH election machinery launch in Taman Putri here last night.

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also PKR vice-president, lifted Chiong’s hand to applause.

They were joined by Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching and representatives from the coalition’s component parties — PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).

Saifuddin Nasution said Chiong, the PKR Bukit Batu division chief, was the first candidate PH had announced for the election.

“We will announce the other candidates at a later date,” said the PKR election committee director.

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also the home minister, reminded Chiong to begin his groundwork early to secure victory for PH.

“I have also met with Teo (Nie Ching) and requested for the DAP machinery to assist in Saudara Arthur’s campaign.

“Let us remember that his victory is a victory for DAP and also Amanah,” he said.

Chiong won the Bukit Batu seat in the 2022 Johor state election with a narrow majority of 137 votes.

He prevailed in a closely fought four-cornered contest against candidates from Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Parti Warisan.

Johor goes to the polls on July 11, with nomination day set for June 27 and early voting scheduled for July 7.