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DAP Johor has revealed that it had been preparing to reposition Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim to a different urban seat for the next Johor state election, as part of broader electoral planning discussions that also included a proposed statutory board chairmanship as an alternative role.
The disclosure comes after Marina announced earlier today that she would be stepping away from active politics, prompting expressions of regret from party leadership and bringing internal candidate placement strategies into public focus.
Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching said she was saddened by Marina’s decision to withdraw from politics, describing her departure as a significant loss to the party.
“As a comrade-in-arms and also Johor DAP Chairman, I feel deeply saddened that Marina has chosen to leave the political arena at this point,” she said.
Teo also acknowledged that discussions surrounding election strategy may have contributed to Marina’s dissatisfaction and expressed regret over any unintended impact.
“If any discussions regarding Johor state election strategy have caused her any discomfort or hurt her feelings in any way, I would like to express my sincere regret publicly.”
She explained that Marina’s proposed repositioning was part of ongoing seat allocation negotiations within Pakatan Harapan in Johor ahead of the state polls, which are still being finalised.
“Pakatan Harapan Johor has begun discussions on seat allocations. Although negotiations are still ongoing, there is a strong possibility that DAP may contest in an urban seat previously won by PH in 2018.”
Teo said the party leadership viewed Marina as a strong candidate for the intended seat transfer, citing her electoral potential and strategic role in expanding the party’s appeal beyond its traditional strongholds.
“Fundamentally, the party leadership believes that Marina is the most promising candidate with the highest probability of winning, entrusted to carry out DAP’s strategic mission of expanding beyond the party’s traditional strongholds.”
She further noted that the party had also considered offering Marina a leadership position within a statutory body as a safeguard should electoral outcomes prove unfavourable.
“To provide assurance that the party will continue to stand by her regardless of the outcome of the Johor state election, I also shared the intention to propose her as the chairperson of a statutory body, which I believe would serve as a platform for her to continue contributing constructively to society and the nation.”
“DAP Johor greatly values leaders who are willing to take bold tactical steps in the interest of the party, and we will always strive to support them through challenges, particularly in situations filled with uncertainty.”
Teo’s remarks were understood to be a response to an alleged letter dated May 30 attributed to Marina, in which she reportedly rejected both an offer to contest the Tiram state seat and the proposed statutory appointment should she be unsuccessful at the polls.
The episode underscores the fluid and often sensitive nature of seat negotiations within Pakatan Harapan in Johor, as parties refine their electoral strategies ahead of the upcoming state election. - June 1, 2026
