MUAR, June 28 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) is committed to advancing its youth agenda in the 16th Johor state election by translating young people’s aspirations into meaningful representation through a slate of credible young candidates.

PH communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the coalition had demonstrated this commitment by fielding a number of young professionals, including the youngest candidate in the election.

“The youngest candidate in this election is from Pakatan Harapan. Danish Hossman is just 23 years old.

“For PH, this shows that we are listening to the hopes and aspirations of young people, who want representatives that truly understand and reflect their concerns,” Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said when met here today.

Also present was PH candidate for the Sungai Balang seat, Ayna Soraya Badaruddin.

On PH’s strategy for the 14-day campaign period, Fahmi said the coalition’s leadership was finalising several campaign initiatives, including the official launch of the Johor PH manifesto in the coming days.

He said the manifesto would reflect PH’s seriousness in presenting the best plan for governing the state, while aiming to improve on the 12 seats won by the coalition in the 2022 Johor state election.

On the campaign focus, Fahmi urged all parties to maintain healthy competition centred on policy proposals and the calibre of candidates, without touching on 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.

“In my view, there’s no need to raise 3R issues. Let parties compete based on their policies and political leaders. That should remain the focus,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ayna Soraya said she was determined to leverage her experience in the maritime sector to create more high-quality jobs for local youths in agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

The PKR Wanita deputy chief said she also plans to transform the fisheries industry in Parit Jawa, noting that youth participation in the sector remains very low.

“From what I have seen, the maritime and fisheries sectors have tremendous potential. I understand that young fishermen make up only about two to three per cent of the fishing community in Parit Jawa.

“With better development, there will be much greater opportunities for young people,” she said.

Polling is on July 11, with early voting on July 7.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.

N16: Sungai Balang: 31,039 

1.    Selamat Takim(BN-Umno)

2.    Muhammad Amin Sailan(PN-PAS)

3.    Ayna Soraya Badaruddin(PH-PKR)

(2022: Selamat Takim: BN-Umno: Maj: 2,293) — Bernama