MIC’s election newcomer aims to oust DAP from Perling stronghold

JOHOR BAHRU: Barisan Nasional is aiming to reclaim Perling from Pakatan Harapan after DAP held the mixed constituency in the last two Johor elections, with MIC’s first-time candidate centring his campaign on local issues rather than federal politics.

P Pannir Selvam, a six-term Johor Bahru city councillor, acknowledged that he is contesting in a constituency regarded as a DAP stronghold. “This time, MIC is fighting to take it for BN,” he told FMT.

Perling has been represented by DAP since 2018, when it was won by Cheo Yee How with a 19,533 majority, and in 2022 by Liew Chin Tong with a 3,347-vote majority over BN’s Tan Hiang Kee.

The 53-year-old Pannir, who has been with MIC since 2005, said one of the biggest challenges on the campaign trail was correcting voters’ misconceptions about the role of state assemblymen.

“Many think the federal government controls everything,” he said, as voters were unaware that an assemblyman’s role is to work with village heads, local councils and the state government.

He said he has been explaining this distinction during his walkabouts so voters better understand what an assemblyman can realistically deliver.

Pannir described Perling as one of Johor’s most diverse constituencies, with Chinese voters making up about 48% of the electorate, Malays 37%, and Indians about 13.5%.

He said the constituency, stretching from Johor Bahru city to Perling, is home to people from all walks of life.

Asked about issues raised by residents, he said traffic congestion, parking shortages, and the rising cost of living top the list. One recurring complaint was about Singapore-bound commuters who park their vehicles for long periods in commercial areas of the city.

“Businesses lose customers because parking bays are occupied for too long,” he said.

He said he has both short-term and long-term proposals to solve parking problems around the Perling market and commercial areas, although he declined to elaborate on them.

“I also want to help young people here gain access to proper housing. We also want to help people get involved in business and assist single parents who are struggling,” he added.

The candidate said he is campaigning on the concept of “Bangsa Johor,” stressing that he intends to represent all communities in the ethnically mixed constituency.

“I’m not going to represent only the Indian community. I represent everyone. I carry myself as Bangsa Johor. Everyone is under one umbrella.”

Pannir Selvam will face PH’s Tee Boon Tsong and Bersama’s Boo Wei Han in the three-cornered contest for the seat. Voting takes place on July 11, with early voting on July 7.