Barisan Nasional has declared its intention to contest all 56 state seats in the next Johor state election, with Johor BN chief and menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi saying the decision reflects the coalition’s readiness to defend its mandate and deliver a stable government for the state.
Onn Hafiz said the move was made after taking into account the views and aspirations of the people of Johor, as well as feedback gathered from Umno and BN grassroots leaders across the state.
“The decision to contest all 56 state seats shows that we are prepared to continue forming a stable and strong government dedicated fully to the development of the state and the wellbeing of Bangsa Johor,” he said in a statement.
Speculation over BN-PH cooperation
The announcement is expected to stoke fresh speculation over the political dynamics ahead of the Johor polls, particularly with regard to the relationship between BN and Pakatan Harapan, which currently cooperate at the federal level as part of the unity government.
BN’s declaration of a solo run raises questions about whether the two coalitions will maintain their working partnership at the state level, or whether Johor will become a more competitive battleground between former allies.
The Johor state assembly will dissolve automatically in April next year if no election is called beforehand, after which polling must be held within 60 days.
BN defending a strong mandate
BN has good reason to approach the next Johor election with confidence. At the last state polls in March 2022, the coalition swept 40 of the 56 seats, forming the state government comfortably.
Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional secured three, and Muda took one.
Earlier on Saturday, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin was reported as saying the Johor state election would serve as the ideal platform for BN to test its own strength by going it alone.
He noted that the Johor government was not formed as a unity government, but as a BN-led administration defending its existing mandate, making a solo contest a more accurate gauge of the party’s electoral standing.
The former health minister added that contesting independently would allow BN to properly assess its position ahead of the next general election.
