KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) is placing strong emphasis on youth participation in the upcoming 16th Johor state election by ensuring young people are meaningfully represented through credible candidates.
PH communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the coalition’s approach includes fielding young professionals, including the youngest candidate contesting in this election, Bernama reported.
“The youngest candidate in this election is from Pakatan Harapan. Danish Hossman is just 23 years old.
“For PH, this shows that we are listening to the hopes and aspirations of young people, who want representatives that truly understand and reflect their concerns,” Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said when met here today.
Also present was PH candidate for the Sungai Balang seat, Ayna Soraya Badaruddin.
On PH’s campaign preparations for the 14-day period, Fahmi said the coalition leadership was in the final stages of preparing several initiatives, including the upcoming launch of the Johor PH manifesto.
He said the manifesto would outline PH’s governance plans for the state, while also aiming to improve on the 12 seats secured in the 2022 Johor state election.
Fahmi also urged all political parties to focus on policy-driven competition during the campaign, rather than engaging in 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.
“In my view, there’s no need to raise 3R issues. Let parties compete based on their policies and political leaders. That should remain the focus,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ayna Soraya said she intends to draw on her maritime sector experience to create more high-quality job opportunities for local youths in agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
The PKR Wanita deputy chief also said she plans to revitalise the fisheries sector in Parit Jawa, noting that youth involvement remains low.
“From what I have seen, the maritime and fisheries sectors have tremendous potential. I understand that young fishermen make up only about two to three per cent of the fishing community in Parit Jawa.
“With better development, there will be much greater opportunities for young people,” she said.
Polling day is set for July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7. – June 28, 2026