PONTIAN, Aug 19 — Barisan Nasional (BN) will explain to voters in the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats regarding its decision to uphold the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree by joining the unity government, said Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said Umno would also explain to the people that DAP had agreed to accept four matters in the federal constitution before BN decided to be part of the unity government after the 15th general election (GE15).

According to Ahmad, voters’ lack of understanding on these matters had contributed to BN’s defeat in three states and allowed Perikatan Nasional (PN) to make inroads in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan in the August 12 state polls.

"The BN machinery will deliver a clear message and explanation to Johor people in these two constituencies (Pulai and Simpang Jeram) so that they understand and can manage their sentiment well.

"DAP has acknowledged the status of Islam; position of Malay rulers; position of Bahasa Melayu and the special rights of the Malays (under the constitution),” he told reporters after a Madani society and leaders with the people programme and Fly the Jalur Gemilang@Pontian Umno division office here today.

Ahmad, who is Johor Umno deputy chairman, said all the 26 Umno divisions in Johor would work hard to help the Amanah machinery in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections next month.

"Pulai and Simpang Jeram (Bakri division) will be hosts and the other 24 divisions will come as foster fathers”, he said.

Ahmad said he would lead the Umno machinery in Pulai division and Buloh Kasap state assemblyman Datuk Zahari Sarip would head the campaign in Simpang Jeram.

Former Johor State Assembly Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat and Nazri Abdul Rahman from Amanah were today named as Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates for the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections respectively.

The Election Commission has fixed nominations for August 26, early voting on September 5 and polling on September 9 for both by-elections.

The by-elections were called following the death of the incumbent for the two seats, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23. — Bernama