JOHOR BARU, June 1 — Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim today rejected claims she was defecting or had been “bought over”, saying her political decisions were made after consulting her closest supporters and stressing her focus was on solving problems rather than constant confrontation.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Marina invoked Sun Tzu’s Art of War to defend her non-confrontational style, arguing that “the best victory is one achieved without fighting”. 

She said politics should be measured by how many problems are resolved for constituents, not by how many disputes are waged. 

“Helping the people cannot wait for election season,” she wrote, describing her approach as “strategic diplomacy” rather than weakness.

Marina added that she believed in supporting government initiatives that benefit her constituency, while offering constructive criticism and solutions when weaknesses were identified. She said her priority was always the welfare of constituents, not political point-scoring.

The post followed controversy over a purported letter, dated May 30, where Marina rejected an offer to contest the Tiram seat and chair a government-linked company (GLC) if she lost.

In a Berita Harian report, Marina said she had shared “the letter” in a Johor DAP WhatsApp group. She did not verify if it was the same document now circulating on social media. 

“I don’t want to think about it now because it gives me a headache. What I want to do is rest so I can wake up tomorrow and continue helping the people,” she was quoted as saying.

The controversy erupted yesterday after Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching revealed details of discussions held with Marina as part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming Johor state election.

In a Facebook post, Teo, who is also Deputy Communications Minister, confirmed talks had taken place on moving Marina to another constituency as part of DAP’s strategy to expand beyond its traditional strongholds. 

“To assure her that the party would stand by her regardless of the Johor State Elections outcome, I also shared my intention to propose her as the Chairman of a statutory body, which I believe she can contribute constructively,” Teo wrote.

The admission sparked online debate, with social media users questioning whether appointments to statutory bodies or GLCs should form part of candidate negotiations.

Earlier, New Straits Times reported that Teo had yet to respond to queries on the proposal or the type of statutory body involved.

The issue gained traction after Teo expressed regret if the discussions had made Marina uncomfortable, fuelling speculation over Marina’s surprise announcement yesterday that she would retire from politics and not defend her Skudai seat in the coming election. 

JOHOR BAHRU, June 1 — Johor DAP has clarified that the party had offered to appoint incumbent Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim to helm a statutory body and not a government-linked company (GLC) as seen in a letter that went viral.

Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said there is a difference in a statutory body and a GLC.

He said Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching had stated that she offered Marina to lead a statutory body and not a GLC.

“Statutory bodies are established by an Act of Parliament or state enactment to fulfill specific public policy or socio-economic objectives, while a GLC is incorporated under the Companies Act 2016 and the government acts as a majority shareholder.

“In this recent issue, Teo had offered Marina to helm a statutory body that is related to social welfare work.

“This is actually a good fit for Marina who has been passionate and known for her welfare activism over the years.,” he said when contacted by Malay Mail today.

The DAP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) member was responding to criticism that the party is allegedly using positions in GLCs as political tools.

Sheikh Umar said the unnamed statutory body was a right fit for Marina based on her work in welfare activism.

“In fact, the party’s leadership felt Marina would be able to perform well and assist in shaping policy by being appointed to the statutory body.

“The proposed appointment by DAP is not a form of reward that is used to lure or motivate someone to perform a task,” he said, adding that it is normal for DAP to initiate moves that are strategic for the party’s long term.

Meanwhile, Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said that such appointments, especially to statutory bodies, was a normal practice for any political parties that are part of the government.

The Johor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) chief also clarified that for such appointments only eligible and hardworking party members who have promise will be considered.

“Generally, the person being considered will normally be a subject matter expert or have a good knowledge of the field that the statutory body is established under,” he said, adding that statutory bodies, unlike a GLC, are under the purview of the government and not a corporate company.