Skudai Assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has rejected accusations that she is unwilling to work or contest in Malay-majority constituencies, describing such claims as misleading and disconnected from her ground-level political experience.
In a Facebook post, Marina said she had been reluctant to comment further on recent political discussions but felt compelled to respond after witnessing what she described as attempts to distort the facts surrounding her decision to quit politics and not contest in the upcoming Johor State Election.
Proven track record in Malay-Majority constituencies
Addressing claims that she was “afraid” to enter Malay-majority areas, Marina pointed to her work in Layang-Layang in 2021. She noted that she had been sent there at a time when it was widely expected she would contest the constituency. As part of her efforts, she established a community centre and carried out extensive grassroots work in the area.
According to Marina, she was still relatively new to politics at the time and had little experience. Nevertheless, she was tasked with building support in a predominantly Malay constituency where she was expected to face Johor politician Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who was then serving as the state’s Youth, Sports and Tourism Executive Councillor (Exco).
Marina said she worked alongside volunteers Fauziah and Mek Iti, both of whom had no political background when they first joined her community initiatives.
Marina said she worked alongside volunteers Fauziah and Mek Iti, both of whom had no political background when they first joined her community initiatives.
She also dismissed claims that contesting in Malay-majority seats had only recently become part of the DAP’s strategy. Marina highlighted the party’s decision to field a candidate in Mersing during the 2022 General Election, marking its first attempt in a constituency where Malays made up about 76 per cent of voters.
Marina, who served as the campaign manager in Mersing, noted that although it was the party’s first time contesting the seat, the candidate managed to retain their election deposit.
Confronting hostility on the campaign trail
Recalling her campaign experiences, Marina said she and a Chinese female colleague had personally visited FELDA settlements to distribute campaign materials and meet residents, where they encountered unexpected hostility.
“I was spat on the face by a Pak Cik (uncle), but do you think I care?”
Despite such experiences, Marina said she had never been deterred from engaging with voters in challenging constituencies. She stressed that her recent decision to quit politics had nothing to do with being upset, seeking a safer political path, or remaining in a comfort zone.
“The decision was made with careful consideration and deep respect for the volunteers who had supported me throughout my political journey. They are the backbone of my work,” she said.
What do you think of Marina’s experiences and her decision to quit politics?
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