MUAR: Newcomer Mahaizal Mahmor will bank on the influence of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as he takes on his seasoned opponent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in Simpang Jeram.

       The Parti Pejuang Tanah Air’s candidate said it was easier for him to meet his voters and talk to them about Dr Mahathir.

       “This is his (Dr Mahathir) party. We will explain how we can bring changes in Johor,” Mahaizal said after his walkabout programme at Taman Indah yesterday.

       Mahaizal will be involved in a four-cornered fight against Pakatan Harapan’s Salahuddin, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.

       In the 14th General Election, Salahuddin, who is a former federal minister, won the seat in a four-cornered fight.

       In the latest electoral roll, Simpang Jeram has a total of 40,014 registered voters.

       “This is not about whether Simpang Jeram is a hot seat or those contesting have titles. I am not worried about that. This is about how we can improve the livelihoods of the people here,” he said.

       Mahaizal said he preferred to meet voters face-to-face and distribute his flyers.

       “At the moment, we do not have a well-oiled machinery as compared to other coalitions,” he added.

       The local businessman said there are about 23,000 new voters and that they would be his “target audience”.

       He plans to develop a business hub especially for the youths.