Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded political opponents that the unity coalition government could not have been formed without the support of BN’s 30 Members of Parliament.
Speaking at the launch of BN’s Johor election machinery in Iskandar Puteri, Zahid said the coalition’s contribution to national political stability should not be overlooked.
As Umno president, he said Pakatan Harapan would not have secured the parliamentary majority required to lead the current government without BN’s parliamentary representation.
Zahid welcomes challenge from political rivals
Zahid also welcomed rival parties to contest all 56 seats in the upcoming Johor state election.
His remarks came after Johor Pakatan Harapan announced its intention to contest all seats in the state election following BN’s declaration that it would do the same. Pakatan Harapan has also stated that it will field candidates in all 36 seats in the forthcoming Negeri Sembilan election.
“We will meet you there,” he said.
Johor polls mark beginning of BN revival
Zahid described the Johor election as the starting point of BN’s political resurgence, saying the coalition intends to demonstrate that it remains a significant force in Malaysian politics.
“We intend to send a clear message to the entire country that the BN ‘blue wave’ is returning and it will start in Johor before it reaches the other parts of the country,” he said.
He also defended Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s decision to call for a state election before the assembly completed its full term, arguing that the mandate should be returned to voters.
“If Onn Hafiz merely wanted to remain comfortable, why go through the trouble of dissolving the assembly? He could have just continued holding on to power,” he said.
Focus on victory, not candidate disputes
The Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1, around 10 months before its term was scheduled to end in April next year.
Zahid said BN would enter the election with a proven record of governance and achievements rather than relying on what he described as empty promises.
He also urged party members not to be distracted by disputes over candidate selection and instead focus on securing victory at the polls.
“There is only one candidate for us — the BN candidate,” he said.
BN formed the Johor government after winning 40 of the 56 seats in the state assembly during the March 2022 election. Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional secured three, while Muda won one seat.
