2023 Simpang Jeram by-election

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 2023 Simpang Jeram by-election

| country = Johor

| type = parliamentary

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 2022 Johor state election

| previous_year = 2022

| next_election =

| next_year = Next

| seats_for_election = N13 Simpang Jeram seat in the
Johor State Legislative Assembly

| election_date = 9 September 2023

| image1 = PH

| image1_size =

| candidate1 = Nazri Abdul Rahman

| party1 = AMANAH

| alliance1 = PH

| color1 = E21118

| popular_vote1 = 13,844

| percentage1 = 56.54%

| image2 = PN

| candidate2 = Mohd Mazri Yahya

| color2 = 031e61

| party2 = PAS

| alliance2 = PN

| popular_vote2 = 10,330

| percentage2 = 42.19%

| title = Simpang Jeram assemblyman

| before_election = Salahuddin Ayub (died)

| before_party = Pakatan Harapan (AMANAH)

| after_election = Nazri Abdul Rahman

| after_party = Pakatan Harapan (AMANAH)

| map_image =

| map_size =

| map_alt =

| map =

| map_caption =

}}

The 2023 Simpang Jeram by-election was a by-election held on 9 September 2023 for the Johor State Legislative Assembly seat of Simpang Jeram.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |title=PRK Parlimen Pulai, Dun Simpang Jeram ditetapkan 9 September - SPR |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/utama/2023/08/995027/prk-parlimen-pulai-dun-simpang-jeram-ditetapkan-9-september-spr |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=Harian Metro |language=en}} It was called following the death of incumbent, Salahuddin Ayub on 23 July 2023. The by-election were held on the same day as the 2023 Pulai by-election.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-23 |title=Salahuddin Ayub meninggal dunia |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/utama/2023/07/991011/salahuddin-ayub-meninggal-dunia |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=Harian Metro |language=en}} Salahuddin was a 2-term Member of Parliament for Pulai, and also 2-term Member of Johor State Assembly for Simpang Jeram, both since 2018. He was a member and Deputy President (2015-2023) of the National Trust Party (AMANAH), a component party of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.This also the first elections with incumbent death still hold both parlimantary and state constituencies since Fadzil Noor with Anak Bukit by-election in 2002.

Nomination and campaign

Nomination day were announced by Election Commission (EC) to be on 26 August 2023.{{cite web |last1=SHAH |first1=MOHD FARHAAN |title=Simpang Jeram by-election: One candidate has so far paid deposit, says Johor EC |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/18/simpang-jeram-by-election-one-candidate-has-so-far-paid-deposit-says-johor-ec |website=The Star |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=18 August 2023}} On the nomination day, 3 candidates were accepted: Nazri Abdul Rahman from PH, Mohd Mazri Yahya from Perikatan Nasional (PN), and Jeganathan Subramaniam as an independent.{{cite web |last1=SHADIQE |first1=JASSMINE |title=3-cornered fight in Pulai, Simpang Jeram by-elections [Updated] |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/08/947524/3-cornered-fight-pulai-simpang-jeram-elections-updated |website=nst.com.my |access-date=8 September 2023 |date=26 August 2023}}

Nazri were announced as PH candidate in a media conference by AMANAH President, Mohamad Sabu on 19 August.{{cite web |last1=Amin |first1=Manzaidi Mohd |title=Suhaizan, Ir. Nazri calon Amanah PRK Parlimen Pulai, DUN Simpang Jeram |url=https://malaysiagazette.com/2023/08/19/suhaizan-ir-nazri-calon-amanah-prk-parlimen-pulai-dun-simpang-jeram/ |website=MalaysiaGazette |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=MS |date=19 August 2023}} He is the AMANAH deputy chief of Bakri, and an engineer by profession.{{cite web |author1=Bernama |title=Simpang Jeram by-election: Amanah candidate Nazri pledges to keep late Salahuddin's plans on track |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/19/simpang-jeram-by-election-amanah-candidate-nazri-pledges-to-keep-late-salahuddin039s-plans-on-track |website=The Star |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=19 August 2023}} Nazri has said, in an interview to Bernama, that his main agenda is to solve the drainage problem which led to flash floods at the constituency, as well as improving the local economy.{{cite web |author1=Bernama |title=By-election: Amanah candidate Nazri no stranger to serving the people |url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/election-amanah-candidate-nazri-no-stranger-serving-people-434213 |website=www.astroawani.com |access-date=8 September 2023 |date=23 August 2023}} He also promised to continue the groundwork laid by Salahuddin in the constituency.

Mazri, from Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), was announced as PN's candidate by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin on 23 August.{{cite web |last1=Xiang Yun |first1=Yee |title=Perikatan to field Zulkifli Jaafar for Pulai by-election, Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya for Simpang Jeram |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/23/perikatan-to-field-zulkifli-jaafar-for-pulai-by-election-dr-mohd-mazri-yahya-for-simpang-jeram |website=The Star |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=23 August 2023}} A vascular and endovascular surgeon by trade, he is the PAS Central Committee member, and also Johor PAS Deputy Commissioner.{{cite web |author1=Mohamed Farid Noh |author2=Izz Laily Hussein |title=Zulkifli, Dr Mohd Mazri calon PN di Pulai, Simpang Jeram |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2023/08/1002575/zulkifli-dr-mohd-mazri-calon-pn-di-pulai-simpang-jeram |website=Harian Metro |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=MS |date=23 August 2023}} He has contested in Simpang Jeram before in 2018, as well as Pulai federal seat in 2018; both which were lost to Salahuddin.{{cite web |title=MOHD MAZRI YAHYA |url=https://pru.sinarharian.com.my/calon/6051/mohd-mazri-yahya |website=PRU @ Sinar Harian |access-date=8 September 2023}} Mazri unveiled his manifesto on 6 September, focusing on affordable housing, flash flood solutions, youth sports and recreation program, and more support for people with disabilities in the area.{{cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Ben |title=Perikatan candidate Dr Mazri lists four offers for Simpang Jeram voters including affordable housing plan |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/06/perikatan-candidate-dr-mazri-lists-four-offers-for-simpang-jeram-voters-including-affordable-housing-plan/89361 |website=Malay Mail |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=6 September 2023}}

Jeganathan, a local businessman from Taman Bakri Jaya and former Malaysian Indian Congress member, had participated in the state elections twice before: in 2018 and 2022, both in Bukit Naning state seat. On both occasions, he lost his deposit.{{cite web |title=Jeganathan may just defy the odds this time |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/08/jeganathan-may-just-defy-the-odds-this-time |website=The Star |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=8 September 2023}}{{cite web |last1=ZAINI |first1=SHAHRIZAL AHMAD |title=Jeganathan guna kelebihan bertutur bahasa Hokkien dekati pengundi |url=https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/275761/berita/politik/jeganathan-guna-kelebihan-bertutur-bahasa-hokkien-dekati-pengundi |website=Sinar Harian |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=ms |date=26 August 2023}} He listed his ability to speak English, Malay, Tamil, Mandarin and Hokkien as an advantage for his campaign.{{cite web |last1=Devi |first1=Venesa |title=Jeganathan making full use of Mandarin and Hokkien |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/31/jeganathan-making-full-use-of-mandarin-and-hokkien |website=The Star |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=31 August 2023}} Jeganathan also revealed his six-point manifesto, including a food bank with monthly contribution on RM1,000 from him, and emergency van for those in need. Jeganathan decided this would be his last election if he loses again, after spending more than RM50,000 on helping the locals.{{cite web |last1=Abd Rani |first1=Alias |title='Simpang Jeram pilihan raya terakhir saya' - Jeganaathan |url=https://pre-www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/09/1149924/simpang-jeram-pilihan-raya-terakhir-saya-jeganaathan |website=Berita Harian |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=MS |date=8 September 2023}}

Notably, this was the first Johor state election without candidates from Barisan Nasional (BN) since 2004,{{#tag:ref|The BN candidate nomination for Senggarang in the 2004 Johor state election were rejected on technical grounds by the EC.|group=note}} traditionally the dominant party in the state and the current state government party. After formation of federal government consisting of the alliance between PH and BN in the aftermath of the general election in November 2022, both Simpang Jeram and Pulai by-election saw the first collaboration between BN and PH at Johor state level, as BN acceded to PH to put its candidate there,{{cite web |last1=Abu Yamin |first1=Essa |title=BN beri laluan AMANAH tanding di Parlimen Pulai, DUN Simpang Jeram |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/08/1135522/bn-beri-laluan-amanah-tanding-di-parlimen-pulai-dun-simpang-jeram |website=Berita Harian |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=MS |date=3 August 2023}} as well as campaigning together.{{cite web |author1=Bernama |title=Pulai, Simpang Jeram by-elections, test for PH-BN pact |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/26/pulai-simpang-jeram-by-elections-test-for-ph-bn-pact/87428 |website=Malay Mail |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=26 August 2023}}

Think tank Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research data analyst, Azlan Musyabri suggests that PN could win both seats, if the voter turnout trend is the same as the 2022 state election, but also suggested PH would retain both seats if BN voters support the PH candidate as well as increase of support from non-Malay voters from the 2022 election.{{cite web |last1=Kasinathan |first1=Shathana |title=Analysis suggests Perikatan has chance to win Pulai, Simpang Jeram by-elections if voter turnout same as Johor state polls |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/05/analysis-suggests-perikatan-has-chance-to-win-pulai-simpang-jeram-by-elections-if-voter-turnout-same-as-johor-state-polls/89242 |website=Malay Mail |access-date=8 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 September 2023}} Bridget Welsh, another political analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, predicted the result will hinge on either voters respect for Salahuddin legacy, or voters response to BN and UMNO president Zahid Hamidi discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) of his 47 court cases just days before the election.{{cite web |last1=Welsh |first1=Bridget |title=Changing tide? A look at Pulai and Simpang Jeram - Bridget Welsh |url=https://bridgetwelsh.com/articles/changing-tide-a-look-at-pulai-and-simpang-jeram/ |website=Bridget Welsh {{!}} Educator, Scholar and Political Analyst |access-date=8 September 2023 |date=6 September 2023}} Other analysts, such as Dr Azmi Hassan also from Nusantara Academy, and Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul, believe that Zahid's DNAA, and also another UMNO leader Bung Mokhtar Radin acquittal of his own court case a day after, will not affect PH-BN negatively in the by-elections.{{cite web |author1=Qistina Sallehuddin |author2=Mandy Leong |author3=Hazween Hassan |title=Zahid's DNAA will not affect outcome of Pulai, Simpang Jeram by-election [UPDATED] |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/09/952783/zahids-dnaa-will-not-affect-outcome-pulai-simpang-jeram-election |website=nst.com.my |access-date=8 September 2023 |date=8 September 2023}}

Timeline

The key dates are listed below.

class="wikitable"

!Date

!Event

3 August 2023

|Issue of the Writ of Election

26 August 2023

|Nomination Day

26 August–8 September 2023

|Campaigning Period

9 September 2023

|Polling Day

Results

{{MASelec/top|Johor|9 September 2023|Simpang Jeram (state constituency)|Simpang Jeram|by=yes|percent=yes|change=yes|reason=Upon the death of incumbent, Salahuddin Ayub}}

{{MASelec|Pakatan Harapan|Nazri Abdul Rahman|13,844|56.54|+15.60}}

{{MASelec|Perikatan Nasional|Mohd Mazri Yahya|10,330|42.19|+12.47}}

{{MASelec|Independent politician|Jeganathan Subramaniam|311|1.27|+1.27}}

{{MASelec/source|hide=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputp/1857938/PUB%20400%20(2023).pdf||}}

Previous results

{{MASelec/top|Johor|2022|Simpang Jeram (state constituency)|Simpang Jeram|percent=yes}}

{{MASelec/source || |hide={{Cite web

| url = http://prn.bernama.com/johor/index-bm.php#counts

| title = Keputusan #PRNJOHORBERNAMA #PRNJOHOR

| website = prn.bernama.com

| access-date = 2022-03-29

}}{{Cite web|url=https://dashboard.spr.gov.my/#!/dun/01/N.13|title = Dashboard SPR}}}}

Aftermath

Nazri, the winner of the by-election, were sworn in as the new MLA for Simpang Jeram on 14 September at the third meeting of the second session of the 15th Johor State Assembly.{{cite web |author1=Bernama |title=Nazri sworn in as Simpang Jeram assemblyman |url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/nazri-sworn-simpang-jeram-assemblyman-437315 |website=www.astroawani.com |access-date=22 September 2023 |date=14 September 2023}}

Notes

References

Category:2023 elections in Malaysia

Category:By-elections in Malaysia

Category:Elections in Johor

Category:September 2023 in Malaysia