Fresh faces: Selvendran and Shazani are two of the candidates whowill be vying for votes in their respective constituencies.

       JOHOR BARU: Political parties contesting in the state election are banking on fresh faces to attract votes.

       Johor Umno Youth chief Hairi Mad Shah, who has been fielded by Barisan Nasional in his hometown of Larkin, is willing to stand in one of the most hotly-contested seats.

       He said he would work hard to ensure that Barisan regains the seat after losing it in the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018.

       He added that his experience as a Johor Baru City Council member had given him an insight into the problems faced by the people of Larkin.

       “The issues faced by Larkin residents are housing and drainage problems. I will address their concerns in my manifesto that I will announce soon,” he said.

       Johor Wanita MIC chief N. Saraswati will be fielded in the Kemelah seat.

       “Previously, I assisted the Barisan machinery and I believe this experience will come in handy,” she said.

       Johor Parti Pejuang Tanah Air deputy chairman Nornekman Osman, who will be contesting in Kempas, said he served in Kedah and also at the federal level.

       “My father told me that I needed to find experience working outside Johor before I serve the constituents in my own state,” said Nornekman, who is the son of the late Johor mentri besar Datuk Osman Sapian.

       As the eldest of eight children, he wants to continue his father’s legacy in Kempas.

       “I will work hard to sort out the outstanding issues there if I’m elected,” he said.

       Johor Bersatu Srikandi chief Shazani A. Hamid said she had been on the ground collecting information on the needs of youths in the Semarang constituency even before she was announced as a candidate for the seat.

       “Our election machinery has been actively engaging the public to identify issues faced by the people there, especially youths.

       “My main focus will be on local issues, aside from those that involve youth, such as unemployment and the high cost of living,” she said.

       Stulang candidate Youis Yap of Gerakan said he is hoping that voters will give him a chance to serve them as their assemblyman.

       “Although Gerakan is now contesting under the Perikatan Nasional ticket instead of Barisan Nasional, I believe that we still have the support of the people,” he said.

       PAS will be fielding its supporters club chief V. Selvendran in the Paloh seat.

       He said he would like to bring better education opportunities, especially for those in rural areas.

       “Our machinery has been working non-stop and helping to promote change for the people.”

       Parti Warisan candidate for the Mahkota seat Mohamed Noor Suleiman, 61, who is also former Mercy Malaysia Johor Chapter chairman, said that he wants to use his experience in humanitarian work to help the people.

       “I have been actively involved in humanitarian missions and social work for over 12 years. I believe my background will allow me to help the people, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “I am grateful to be named as one of the candidates for Warisan and I want nothing more than to serve the people of Mahkota and provide them with as much assistance as possible,” said Mohamed Noor, who used to be an Umno member.

       Mohamed Noor is also the son of former Johor state secretary Datuk Suleiman Mohd Noor, who is also known as the “Father of Johor Football”.