JOHOR BARU, Aug 22 — The Johor Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) will not contest in the upcoming Pulai parliamentary and the Simpang Jeram state by-elections next month as a sign of respect for Parti Amanah Negara’s (Amanah) late leader Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

Instead, Johor Muda executive chairman Azrol Rajani said his party will give its full support to the two Amanah candidates as a sign of respect for Salahuddin, who was the Amanah deputy president.

He said the decision was made after much consideration based on the needs of the movement at this time.

"Johor Muda wishes the best of luck to Amanah and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the by-election.

"We also hope that they will win and to continue Salahuddin's struggle for the benefit of the people,” said Azrol in a statement last night.

He was elaborating on an earlier announcement yesterday by Muda’s political bureau that the party will not contest in the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections.

Azrol said Muda had a close relationship with Salahuddin and credited the latter for invaluable contributions to the party’s Johor chapter since its inception in September 2020.

"Allahyarham Salahuddin gave us valuable insights and advice during our party’s early formation.

"We appreciate his goodwill in strengthening our struggle,” he said.

Muda won the Muar parliamentary seat and Puteri Wangsa state seat in the elections when it was newly formed. Both seats are in Johor.

The Muar parliamentary seat is represented by party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who won it twice.

The first was when he was with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in 2018 and the latest was during the 15th general election last November.

The Puteri Wangsa state seat is represented by Muda’s deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz. She won the urban constituency in last year’s Johor state election in March, making it the party’s first win.

However, in the recently concluded six state elections, Muda lost in all 19 seats that they contested in.

Last Saturday, PH through Amanah announced former Johor Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat and the party’s Bakri division deputy chief Nazri Abdul Rahman as its candidates for the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections, respectively.

The Election Commission has fixed nomination day for both 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.