Datuk Md Othman Yusof

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Datuk Md Othman Yusof (pictured), executive director of Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd, has been chosen as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Johor state seat of Kukup yesterday.

He is also chief of Umno's Tanjung Piai division and a member of the Johor Royal Council.

Othman actually took the Kukup seat in the 2008 general election. He was, however, dropped in the last GE of 2013.

According to a report by newsportal Malaysiakini, Md Othman said his campaign would involve addressing the opposition's criticism of Forest City.

The development has come under negative scrutiny with critics saying that it would lead to a massive flow of Chinese migrants and even undermining’s Johor’s sovereignty.

Country Garden Pacificview is the master developer of the mega Forest City project in the southern state. Country Garden is the second-largest builder in China.

Meanwhile, a MalayMail report said that Md Othman’s “candidacy will pave the way for him to be considered for the Johor menteri besar post should he win the seat”.

“It is possible as he understands the unique political and social landscape in Johor.

“At the same time, he is known to be loyal to the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar,” a state source told the MalayMail.

Md Othman, however, is not taking such speculations seriously, telling Malaysiakini that “our mission is to win the election. The nominee (is not important). What is important is that we win.”

Covering 14 sq km of land on four artificial islands in Johor and with a gross development value of RM444 billion, Forest City has been successful in attracting Chinese buyers by offering affordable prices and access to Malaysia’s visa programme for long-term stays.

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