Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching appreciates Marina Ibrahim’s service and dedication, respecting her choice to step down from politics.
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor DAP respects the decision of Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim not to contest the coming state election and to retire from politics.
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Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching said she appreciates Marina’s services and commitment throughout her time with the party, while describing her as a dedicated and committed leader who consistently demonstrated determination in carrying out her responsibilities since joining DAP in 2017.
Teo, who is also the Deputy Communications Minister, said Marina’s contributions began in Kulai as a member of the DAP Indahpura branch before she was appointed a councillor at the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) in 2018, and subsequently picked as the party’s candidate for the Skudai state seat in the Johor state election in March 2022.
“Throughout her service, she proved herself to be a dedicated and hardworking leader, including in areas that are not DAP strongholds,” she said in a statement today.
She said the party’s decision to field Marina in Skudai was part of its long-term plan to establish her service record and reputation as an elected representative before entrusting her with the responsibility of helping expand DAP’s influence into constituencies that are not traditional party strongholds.
According to Teo, Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) has begun seat allocation negotiations and, although discussions are still ongoing, there is a strong possibility that DAP will contest an urban seat that the coalition won in 2018.
The Kulai Member of Parliament (MP) said the party leadership viewed Marina as the most suitable candidate to undertake DAP’s strategic mission of expanding beyond its traditional support base, and that this had been explained to her in detail during previous discussions.
“If any discussions related to Johor state election strategies have caused her discomfort or hurt her feelings in any way, I would like to openly express my apologies,” she said.
She said that it is her responsibility as the state chairman to formulate the best strategy to face the coming state polls.
At the same time, Teo wished Marina success in whatever field she ventures into after this, and hoped that their good relationship and cooperation could continue for the benefit of the community and the country.
Earlier, Marina, in a Facebook post, announced her withdrawal from politics and decision not to defend her seat in the coming Johor state election after discussions with close associates, including her supporters.
In the 2022 state election, Marina won the Skudai seat with 26,359 votes, defeating Barisan Nasional’s Lim Soon Hai (12,416 votes), and Perikatan Nasional’s Khoo Keng Ek (6,258 votes).