MUAR, Aug 18 — The Bakri Umno division will give its undivided support to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate contesting in the Simpang Jeram state seat by-election next month.

Bakri Umno chief Datuk Azman Ismail said the division’s members are committed to assist the Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) candidate to ensure a win for the unity government that includes Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said the candidate for Simpang Jeram will face the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate who is believed to be from PAS.

"It won’t be an easy election this time round as we are expecting a close contest following the ‘green wave’ sentiment that saw swing votes favouring the PN coalition in the recently concluded six state elections last week.

"Looking at this situation, we will launch a massive campaign to approach the local community in an effort to explain the unity government's direction in developing country," said Azman when contacted by several media outlets today.

He was commenting on BN’s preparations for the by-election. The state constituency comes under the Bakri parliamentary constituency in north Johor.

Azman said a meeting with other unity government leaders in the Bakri constituency will be held to discuss a common direction after nomination day on August 26.

He said Bakri Umno is confident that the political atmosphere and sentiments for the upcoming Simpang Jeram by-election will be different from the recent state elections

"The issues raised will be different, but we still need to address them as best as possible during our sessions with the people,” he said.

In last year’s Johor state election Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, representing PH, won with 8,749 votes, a majority of 2,389 over his rival. PN candidate Zarul Salleh received 6,360 votes, while BN candidate Datuk Lokman Md Don came close with 6,062 votes.

The Election Commission has fixed nomination day for both the Pulai parliament and Simpang Jeram state by-elections for August 26 and polling for September 9, while early voting on September 5.

The two by-elections were called after Salahuddin, who was the incumbent for both seats, died on July 23 due to a brain haemorrhage. He was 61.

Salahuddin was Amanah deputy president and the domestic trade and cost of living minister.