Johor polls: Jementah DAP rep will not defend seat in upcoming election

JOHOR BARU: Shortly after the dissolution of the Johor state assembly, another assemblyman has announced that he will not be defending his seat in the upcoming state election.

DAP’s Jementah assemblyman Tan Chen Choon said he has written to party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng about his intention of not running in the snap polls as he wants to hang up his hat.

He added that he entered politics at the age of 30 and has served the party for 22 years since joining in 2000.

“For me, I think it is enough and it is time for the party to pass the baton to the younger generation and give them a chance to bring new energy to the party, as well as to participate in party-building efforts,” he added in a Facebook post on Monday (Jan 24).

Tan said he was thankful for having the chance to represent the party in the 2004, 2013 and 2018 general elections, where he was also elected as a state assemblyman.

He has served as the state assembly whip, state public accounts committee chief and state executive councillor.

He thanked the people of Jementah for their support and for the chance to serve for about two terms of about nine years.

Tan went on to thank the DAP grassroots and his party colleagues for their support and encouragement.

He added that he would assist candidates who needed help and wished future candidates success.

This comes after Puteri Wangsa assemblyman Mazlan Bujang from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and DAP’s Yong Peng assemblyman Chew Peck Choo announced that they would not defend their seats as they planned to retire.

The Johor State Assembly was officially dissolved on Jan 22 following former Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad’s audience with Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar.