MUAR, Sept 6 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) by-election candidate Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya has announced four offers on local issues for Simpang Jeram’s voters.
Themed as “Simpang Jeram Sejahtera dan Berpendidikan” (Simpang Jeram Prosperity and Education), the manifesto’s offer includes public engagement sessions, local community programmes, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) related programmes, sports for the youth and affordable housing plan.
Dr Mohd Mazri said for a start he will organise regular dialogue sessions between residents affected by flash floods and the authorities.
“At the same time, we will also engage with the Johor water company Syarikat Air Johor to develop a transparent monitoring system for scheduling pipe replacements or repairs,” he said after unveiling his manifesto at the Bakri PAS headquarters here today.
Dr Mohd Mazri added that affordable housing is also one of PN's main offers.
“We are dealing with the authorities related to the affordable housing housing plan. We will also encourage investment from housing developers who will feature innovative construction methods to expedite the production of affordable homes," he said.
Other than that, Dr Mohd Mazri also said he will organise dialogue sessions with youth associations and sports groups to address the requirements for sports and recreation in Simpang Jeram.
“I will introduce a youth talent tracking programme, covering a wide range of disciplines, including sports, technical and vocational training, and entrepreneurship,” said the 54-year-old Simpang Jeram hopeful.
Other than that, Dr Mohd Mazri’s manifesto also includes support for people with disabilities (PwD) by having centre in collaboration with federal agencies.
Yesterday, Dr Mohd Mazri revealed that the manifesto will focus on prosperity and education with an emphasis to develop a self-sustaining and knowledgeable community, open to the multi-ethnic and religious residents in Simpang Jeram.
Shortly after the unveiling of the PN manifesto, Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Simpang Jeram by-election candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman said that he did not have a specific manifesto, but would continue the incumbent’s plans.
The 56-year-old Bakri Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy chief said he was confident that what the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub had left behind was a legacy that needed to be continued, especially in relation to the welfare of the people in Simpang Jeram.
The retired engineer also pledged to continue on the various Rahmah initiatives that was the brainchild of Salahuddin.
So far, only two candidates for Simpang Jeram have listed their respective manifestos which mostly cover local issues and the general well-being of residents in the northern Johor state constituency.
Last Wednesday, independent Simpang Jeram by-election candidate S. Jeganaathan announced his six-point manifesto that includes setting up a food bank with a monthly personal donation of RM1,000 a month from him.
The 56-year-old activist businessman also pledged to rent a house in Simpang Jeram and provide an emergency van, as well as basic needs such as beds, vouchers for food for those in need.
The Simpang Jeram by-election will see a three-cornered contest with Nazri, Dr Mohd Mazri and Jeganaathan locking horns to secure the most votes this weekend.
Former political foes PH and BN are now allied, having joined forces after the 15th general election (GE15) last year to deny PN control of the federal government.
The Election Commission has fixed polling day for both the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections this Saturday.
The two by-elections were called after Salahuddin, who was the incumbent for both seats, died on July 23 due to a brain haemorrhage. He was 61.
Salahuddin was Amanah deputy president and the domestic trade and cost of living minister.
