NIBONG TEBAL: The unity government will field Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin for the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6.
Announcing this tonight, co-chair of the unity government election machinery steering committee Rafizi Ramli said the decision to field Joohari, a former educator, received blessings from all in the unity government.
"Joohari fits the bill, being a local face in Sungai Bakap and an educator, who has served in various educational institutions here.
"We believe that if chosen as the assemblyman in the by-election, he will be able to serve and educate the people well," he said when announcing the candidate at Bandar Tasek Mutiara tonight.
Earlier today, the New Straits Times reported a source saying that the unity government is set to field the former teacher for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
The source who spoke to NST said Joohari's name was the sole contender for the candidacy.
Meanwhile, Joohari thanked the unity government for placing their trust in him.
"I hope the people here will support me.
"If I win, I am here to serve everyone, irrespective of their political affiliations and race," he vowed.
Joohari, 60, is a local, having schooled at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bakap and Sekolah Menengah Penang Free.
He then furthered his Form Six studies at Sekolah Menengah Panglima Bukit Gantang, Parit Buntar, Perak
He obtained his bachelor's degree from Universiti Malaya in 1987, majoring in Economics and Islamic Studies.
He started his teaching career in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Serdang (SMKS), Kedah before going to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Nibong Tebal (SMKANT), Penang.
In 2002, he pursued the NPQH course in Institut Aminuddin Baki, Genting Highlands before pursuing studies in Institut Kepengetuaan, Universiti Malaya and received his masters degree in 2004.
After obtaining his masters degree, he was placed as a senior assistant (administrative) in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Saujana Indah, Nibong Tebal.
Beginning May 16, 2006, he started as a lecturer in Institut Aminuddin Baki Cawangan Utara (IABCU), Jitra, Kedah.
While serving there, he pursued his doctorate studies and obtained his PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2014, majoring in management and education leadership.
On April 4, 2018, Joohari was appointed the director of IABCU
He ended his career as a civil servant on Sept 1, 2023.
Joohari has work closely with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who is the Nibong Tebal member of parliament, on her party and parliamentary responsibilities.
The Election Commission (EC) fixed July 6 for the Sungai Bakap by-election following the death of its assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
On June 3, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who heads the Penang unity pact, said they had agreed to field a candidate from PKR to contest the Sungai Bakap by-election.
He said the decision was unanimously agreed by all parties in the unity pact.