Outgoing Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has refuted claims of being afraid to contest in Malay-majority areas, asserting her extensive experience in political fieldwork within such constituencies since 2021. Initially assigned to Layang-Layang for grassroots work and community center establishment in 2021, she was expected to run in the 2022 Johor election against a prominent figure. Ibrahim also managed a campaign in Mersing during the 2022 general election, where a DAP candidate in a predominantly Malay constituency (approximately 76% Malay voters) successfully avoided losing their deposit. Despite these experiences, she has chosen to retire from politics, rejecting a proposed move to the Tiram seat and a potential statutory body chairmanship. Ibrahim insists her decision is not driven by fear of losing or seeking a more comfortable electoral ground.