JOHOR BARU: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that an Umno candidate will be fielded in the recently vacated Mahkota state assembly seat, following the death of its incumbent Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
He said discussions were held on the candidate selection and the final decision will be made before Sept 14.
The candidate will be representing Barisan Nasional (BN).
The BN chairman acknowledged the roles of its component parties such as MCA and MIC, as well as DAP, adding that their cooperation is crucial, particularly in areas with significant Chinese and Indian voter bases.
"While the candidate selection is not yet final, the process is being carefully reviewed.
"The candidate must possess qualities of 'winnability, acceptability, and likability" to ensure voters' support," he told the media after a closed-door meeting with the Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at its official residence in Saujana, here, today.
Zahid however declined to release the candidate's name, saying Umno had yet to decide on it.
He acknowledged the unique challenges in Mahkota, where the demographics differ significantly compared to the recently-concluded Nenggiri by-election in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
"Some 34 per cent of Makhota voters are Chinese, compared to only 19 per cent in Nenggiri.
"The approach must be tailored, as each area has its own dynamics," he said.
He added Umno has assigned its grassroots leaders to 18 polling districts within the Mahkota constituency, to engage with voters effectively.
"Mahkota voters requested for several development projects which needed to be addressed."
He warned against giving the impression that these issues are only addressed during by-elections, stressing the need for timely and consistent action.
Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said Umno Johor is gearing up for the upcoming Mahkota state by-election, with key preparations underway ahead of the Sept 14 nomination day.
"Preparations have already begun, and tonight we will meet with leaders from other parties in the unity government to coordinate efforts.
Johor Umno liaison committee members and the top state BN leaders had earlier attended the closed-door meeting held at 4pm at Saujana.
He also said the opposition would bring up issues ahead of the by-election, so Umno leaders must ensure they are well-equipped to address them.
Addressing speculations about internal competition between different wings of the party, Zahid dismissed such concerns, stating the final decision lies with the BN leadership.
He said Umno, Friends of BN and its partners in the unity government are focused on maintaining the majority previously held the late Sharifah Azizah.