Johor polls: Pakatan candidate Khuzzan returns to Semerah to revive stalled development agenda

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 — After securing victory previously before losing in the last state election, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar is making a comeback in Semerah with a clear mission — to fulfil unfinished development commitments and continue initiatives left behind.

Mohd Khuzzan described his return in the 16th Johor state election not as an attempt to redeem a defeat, but as an effort to realise aspirations that were interrupted following PH’s exit from the Johor state administration in 2020.

The former Johor Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman said among his priorities are restoring critical infrastructure projects, including the Taman Sri Sulong Youth Mini Complex, while addressing long-standing issues involving water supply in Semerah and flash floods affecting Batu Pahat and Tanjung Laboh.

“We were unable to complete several plans during our administration from 2018 to 2020 due to the change in government. If given the mandate again, I want to continue and complete the initiatives that were delayed for the people of Semerah,” he said in an interview with Bernama.

Mohd Khuzzan said creating more employment opportunities for young people would also remain a key focus, in line with Johor’s evolving economy, driven increasingly by investment and technology sectors.

The 58-year-old, who was born in Jalan Mesjid, Batu Pahat, said his close ties with residents were among the reasons he chose to continue contesting the seat despite his previous defeat.

“I was born in Batu Pahat, and my wife is also from Semerah. That is why I feel responsible for contributing back to the community here,” he said.

Acknowledging that the political landscape has become more competitive, Mohd Khuzzan said campaign strategies have evolved with greater emphasis on digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Threads to engage voters, share community activities and explain PH’s policy offerings.

“I was personally surprised to see many senior citizens following my TikTok account. It shows that social media is no longer limited to the young generation,” he said.

On-the-ground campaigning has also been strengthened through youth-focused activities, including e-sports, sepak takraw and carrom, alongside exposure programmes on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology to prepare younger voters for future economic opportunities.

Drawing on his experience as a former banking officer, Mohd Khuzzan also proposed strengthening the community economy through support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly by helping entrepreneurs manage government financing more effectively.

He suggested that funding support through Tekun Nasional and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) should be complemented by structured and sustainable financial management guidance to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses successfully.

Mohd Khuzzan expressed confidence that this election would present a different political dynamic compared to the 2022 Johor polls, which took place during the country’s post-pandemic recovery period, and expects stronger voter turnout, including Johoreans working in Singapore.

He said encouraging feedback throughout the campaign, especially from the B40 group and e-Kasih recipients, had strengthened PH’s confidence in reclaiming the Semerah seat.

According to Election Commission (EC) statistics, the Semerah state constituency has 47,431 registered voters, with 17,751 voters — or about 37.4 per cent — aged between 18 and 39.

The Johor state election features 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting on July 7.

For the latest news on the 16th Johor state election, https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. 

N17: Semerah: 47,431

1. Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (BN-Umno)

2. Halim Kepol (PN-PAS)

3. Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar (PH-PKR)

(2022: Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid: BN-Umno: Maj: 4,041) — Bernama