Endau nomination process calm amid controversy

The nomination process for the Endau state constituency in Johor unfolded peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported, despite preceding controversies surrounding the seat. Supporters from Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), and Perikatan Nasional (PN) gathered at the nomination center, adhering to guidelines set by authorities.

The incumbent for DUN Endau, Alwiyah Talib, who recently rejoined UMNO after leaving Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), was officially named the BN candidate. This announcement by state BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi caused surprise, as Alwiyah had only rejoined UMNO less than a month prior. The decision to field Alwiyah over other party figures, such as the Johor UMNO Youth chief and Puteri UMNO Johor chief, was questioned by former UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

Alwiyah Talib has a complex political history in Endau. She previously won the seat for BN in the 2018 Johor polls. However, she later joined Bersatu in May of the same year, along with several other UMNO assemblymen. In the 2022 state election, she contested and defended the seat under the Perikatan Nasional banner, subsequently being appointed as the Mersing Division Bersatu Chief.

The Endau constituency is anticipated to be a closely watched battleground in the upcoming Johor polls, particularly given its past status as a stronghold for PN. The nomination process concluded at 10 a.m., after which the returning officer began verifying the nomination forms to announce the eligible candidates.