KLUANG: Perikatan Nasional (PN) is set to announce its manifesto for the Mahkota by-election within the next two days, said its Information chief, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Azmin revealed that the manifesto is in its final stages and discussions are underway to determine the remaining issues that should be highlighted.
"The manifesto is almost ready, it just needs some touch-ups by PN's candidate and our top leadership," he said after during PN's campaign trail at the Taman Ilham polling station last night.
The Mahkota state seat might be considered small in the Johor state assembly, but it holds strategic significance for PN.
"We want to ensure that key issues are raised by our representative in the Johor state assembly if Mohamad Haizan Jaafar is elected as the people's representative," Azmin added.
Present at the event were Johor PN chairman Datuk Dr Shahruddin Jamal and Johor Pas commissioner Abdullah Husin.
Azmin also refuted claims of a boycott by PN's campaign machinery, particularly from Pas, following the sixth day of the by-election campaign.
He clarified that Pas members were attending their party congress in Pahang, which had been scheduled before the by-election announcement.
"I have addressed this before. Pas had their Muktamar in Pahang on Saturday, and the date had been set well in advance.
"We respect that," he said.
However, Pas decided to send Datuk Nik Mohd Amar Abdullah as a representative, while Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan directed all Johor Pas leaders to stay in Mahkota to support the campaign.
"Since the start of the campaign, from Pas Youth to Muslimat, they have been here.
"After the Muktamar ended, more arrived yesterday, with around 100 Muslimat members joining to assist in canvassing efforts," Azmin said.
The Mahkota by-election is being closely watched, as PN aims to strengthen its presence in Johor's state assembly.