KULAI, June 14 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) has officially named Arthur Chiong Sen Sern as the coalition's first candidate for the upcoming Johor state election.

The 36-year-old Bukit Batu incumbent will defend the diverse suburban state seat in Kulai.

PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail made the announcement, describing Chiong as a candidate capable of retaining the seat in the state election.

"Saudara Arthur (Chiong) is also the best candidate to defend the Bukit Batu seat that won in the previous state election.

"His endorsement was made by PH chairman and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who agreed for me to announce his candidacy tonight," he said at the Bukit Batu PH election machinery launch in Taman Put...