Marina Ibrahim denies fears over contesting in Malay-majority seats
Outgoing Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim denied claims she fears contesting in Malay-majority seats, citing grassroots experience in Layang-Layang since 2021 and past roles in Mersing. She announced her departure from politics in May, rejecting offers to contest Tiram or accept a corporate position if she lost, dismissing speculation about seat allocation for party members.
Marina Ibrahim, the outgoing Skudai assemblyman, rejected claims she avoids contesting in Malay-majority areas, stating she has worked in such constituencies since 2021. She recounted being sent to Layang-Layang in 2021 to establish a community center and was initially expected to contest the seat in Johor’s 2022 elections, facing Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, then a state exco member. Ibrahim also served as campaign manager in Mersing during the 2022 general elections, where a first-time DAP candidate won despite a 76% Malay voter base. She criticized the party’s lack of a dedicated coordinator for expanding into Malay areas, despite repeated grassroots requests. Ibrahim emphasized her decision to leave politics, announced May 31, was unrelated to frustration or seeking safer seats. A leaked letter to DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching confirmed she declined offers to contest Tiram or accept a corporate role if she lost, dispelling speculation that the move was to clear a path for Johor DAP assistant secretary Ng Siam Luang. The former assemblyman stressed her commitment to political work in Malay-majority regions, citing hands-on experience with volunteers in rural areas. She dismissed concerns about her political future, stating her departure was personal and not tied to electoral strategy. The controversy highlights internal party discussions on representation and grassroots engagement in diverse constituencies.
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