(NEWS) Ex-teacher Joohari Ariffin is PH’s candidate for Sg Bakap by-election
NIBONG TEBAL: Former teacher Haji Joohari Ariffin has been announced as the Pakatan Harapan’s candidate from PKR for the Sungai Bakap by-election that will be taking place on July 6.
Joohari was born in Permatang Pasir but lived and worked in Sungai Bakap for most of his life. He was the former director of the northern branch of Aminuddin Baki Institute and served as a senior teacher of several schools in Nibong Tebal and Serdang, Kedah.
His candidacy was announced by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli in a ceremony held at C-Mart Nibong Tebal, yesterday.
In his speech following the announcement, Joohari said he wants to retain his well-known image as an educator even if elected as the assemblyman. He also pledged to serve well the Sungai Bakap voters of diverse racial backgrounds.
“ My (former) students were of different races. My staff back when I was the director (of Aminuddin Baki Institute) were of different races (as well).
"Now, I want to give my service to the people of Sungai Bakap of various races. I hope to get your help and support, ladies and gentlemen,” said Joohari.
Meanwhile, in a one-to-one interview held after the ceremony, Joohari pledged to resolve the water supply disruption issue plaguing Sungai Bakap in recent years due to population increase, should he be elected.
The by-election is taking place following the death of former PN assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24, due to stomach inflammation. He was 55 years old.
Zamri, the then Nibong Tebal PAS chief, won the seat in the August 2023 state elections with a slim majority of 1,563 votes against PKR’s Norhidayah Che Rose in a straight contest.
PAS, which will contest this by-election has yet to name its candidate.
The announcement of Joohari’s candidacy confirmed several news reports which quoted PKR insiders as saying that the party was considering him as its candidate for this by-election.
There are 39,279 registered voters in Sungai Bakap, consisting of 39,222 regular voters and 57 police officers. Early voting will be on July 2.
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