JOHOR BARU: Parti Warisan, which will be making its electoral debut in Peninsular Malaysia through the state polls, is roping in former Johor politicians from various parties as they set their sights on making an impact, with the 15th General Election being the ultimate prize.
Party president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the launching of Johor Warisan was a historic moment for them as it would be led by former Tanjung Piai Umno division vice-chief Suhaimi Salleh, who was also a one-term Kukup assemblyman prior to the 14th General Election, as the state party chief.
“Suhaimi will be assisted by former Gerakan Wanita vice-chief Wong Siew Poh, who is a former Skudai assemblyman and Datuk Seri S. Sunther, who is the son of former MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam,” he added.
Shafie said this at a press conference after launching the Johor Warisan and Chinese New Year gathering held at a restaurant in Taman Sutera here on Tuesday night.
During the event, former Bakri MP Er Teck Hwa, who is a DAP member, was spotted among the guests. Shafie acknowledged his presence in his speech while a technical glitch may have revealed former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia assemblyman Mazlan Bujang joining the party.
The technical glitch appeared when a picture of Mazlan with a Warisan party logo appeared for a quick few seconds on a big screen at the main stage just as Suhaimi was about to give his speech.
Asked if Mazlan would be joining Warisan, Shafie admitted to meeting the incumbent Puteri Wangsa assemblyman recently, where the latter expressed his desire to help the party get more support in Johor.
The former Sabah chief minister also confirmed that the party would be contesting in the state election but was not looking to form the government in Johor.
“This is for our preparation in facing GE15 as only the Federal Government and not the state government can help address issues such as border reopening with Singapore and increase in prices,” he added.
The Semporna MP hinted, however, that the party would be going solo in the state election, which would be a blow to Pakatan Harapan’s big tent aspiration, while questioning Malaysian United Democratic Alliance’s (Muda) cooperation with the party.
“In the Melaka and Sarawak state elections, we can see that the people rejected Pakatan so why should we be forming a cooperation with them?
“Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman did come and see me at my house where we discussed until past midnight about the state election but the next day, he announced something else,” he said, adding that he would soon announce the number of seats Warisan is contesting in the Johor election.
He also said Warisan might not be contesting in all 56 state seats but the party could provide a fresh and alternative choice to voters in Johor.
When contacted, Mazlan, who is a former state executive councillor, played down the picture of him appearing on the big screen during the Warisan event.
“My picture might have came up but my body did not appear at the event,” he said, adding that he met Shafie recently as they were old and close friends during their Umno days.
Asked if whether he has officially joined Warisan and would be contesting in the state election with the new party, Mazlan said all would be revealed soon.