Retiring from politics not due to sulking, says Marina Ibrahim

Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has dismissed speculation that her decision to retire from politics stems from personal pique or a desire to contest an easily winnable seat. Ibrahim clarified that her withdrawal is not linked to any alleged sulking or a preference for a "comfortable" position.

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This is not about winning or losing. S. Gopalakrishnan from PKR could also win in DUN Tiram in 2018, albeit with a majority of over 1,500.

She pointed to past experiences, including campaigning in Malay-majority areas during the Johor state election in 2022. Ibrahim recalled her early days in politics as a "fresh, inexperienced, and raw" candidate sent to work in the Layang-Layang constituency. She recounted campaigning in Felda settlements, distributing leaflets, and interacting with villagers, even describing an incident where she was spat on by an elder while campaigning as a young Malay woman.

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My decision has nothing to do with stories about sulking, wanting to sit in a comfortable place, nonsense.

Ibrahim announced her complete retirement from Malaysian politics on May 31st, following discussions with her family and team. This decision came amid circulating rumors and a letter suggesting she was being pressured to contest the Tiram state seat instead of defending her Skudai seat, with an alleged offer of a government-linked company (GLC) chairmanship if she lost.

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I am a fresh girl, inexperienced and raw in politics when I was sent to work in the Layang-Layang state constituency.