In a Facebook post, Teo revealed that when the party offered Marina the opportunity to contest the Skudai state seat, it had already been made clear that it would be for only one term.
“The strategic roadmap was for her to first establish a solid reputation as an elected representative, after which we would need capable, young leaders like her to expand our influence into our non-traditional constituencies,” she said.
Teo added that as seat negotiations among Johor Pakatan Harapan parties are still ongoing, there is a strong possibility that DAP will contest an urban seat won by PH in 2018, though she did not disclose which state seat was being considered.
“The leadership feels that fielding a Malay candidate in such an urban seat is a highly strategic move and a vital opportunity for us to step out of our traditional strongholds. In our view, Marina is the most winnable candidate for this mission.
“If the offer to contest in a new seat has upset Marina in any way, I would like to officially record my regrets. It is, however, my responsibility as Johor DAP chairman to formulate the best possible strategy for the party facing the upcoming state polls,” she said.
Teo also expressed her deepest gratitude to Marina for her years of service and unwavering dedication to the party and the rakyat.
“We wish her nothing but the absolute best in her next chapter and future endeavours. Though she is retiring from active politics, I believe there will be many occasions in the future where we will collaborate again for the betterment of society,” she said.
Earlier today, Marina announced that she will not defend her seat in the next state election and has decided to step away from politics after serving as an elected representative in the Johor legislative assembly for more than four years.
She said she has chosen to return to something that has always been close to her heart, that is being on the ground, engaging with the community, and continuing the social work that had been a part of her life long before she stepped into politics.
In the last state election in March 2022, Marina secured 26,359 votes, defeating Lim Soon Hai of Barisan Nasional, who garnered 12,416 votes, and Khoo Keng Ek of Perikatan Nasional, who received 6,258 votes.
Marina joined DAP as a member of the party’s Indahpura branch in 2017, which she continues to lead as chairman to this day. She was appointed a local councillor for the Kulai Municipal Council in 2018.