KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — Johor Perikatan Nasional (PN) said today it is prepared to support its candidate for the Pulai parliament and Simpang Jeram state by-elections next month, expected to be straight fights.

PAS' news organisation HarakahDaily reported Johor PN vice chairman Abdullah Husin saying its campaigners have returned from last week’s state election campaign in Negeri Sembilan.

"The momentum in Negeri Sembilan as well as for five other states, especially Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, will hopefully continue in Johor,” Abdullah was quoted saying.

Abdullah, who is also the Johor PAS Commissioner, expressed his confidence that the state’s PN has a good chance of winning in Simpang Jeram and Pulai if there is a straight contest with their rivals in Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional.

"In the last election, both seats had multiple-cornered contests. This time round, if it’s a straight fight, the PN candidate has a good potential to win,” he was quoted saying.

On Johor PN’s candidates, HarakahDaily reported Abdullah confirming that the coalition has submitted three potential names to be considered as candidates for the two by-elections

"However, the shortlisted candidate must also pass a screening process and be considered by the party's top leadership before being named,” he said.

Yesterday, Johor PH confirmed that it will be defending the Pulai parliament and Simpang Jeram state seats for the upcoming by-elections.

BN, a component in the unity coalition, through Umno, has also indicated their support for the PH candidates to reflect on their role in the unity government.

Johor PH deputy chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said the coalition’s top leadership has already endorsed the two candidates who will represent the PH-BN unity coalition.

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's deputy president and the domestic trade and cost of living minister.