Several high-profile contests are expected to dominate the Johor state election campaign, with prominent political figures, former ministers and closely watched constituencies set to shape the outcome when voters go to the polls on July 11.
Among the most closely watched races is Machap, where Johor Barisan Nasional chairman and Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi faces Pakatan Harapan candidate Nur Hafiz Roslan in a straight fight.
The contest is widely regarded as a key test of Onn Hafiz’s leadership after four years as Johor menteri besar.
Key battlegrounds draw attention
Another major contest is in Puteri Wangsa, where a five-cornered battle features former education minister Maszlee Malik of PH, Teow Chia Ling of BN, Nicholas Paul Vincent of Parti Bersama Malaysia, Rashifa Al Junied of Muda and independent candidate Wang Wee Siong.
With more than 128,000 registered voters, Puteri Wangsa is one of Johor’s largest constituencies and is expected to be among the fiercest contests in the election.
In northern Johor, Bukit Kepong is also attracting attention, with former Johor menteri besar Sahruddin Jamal representing Perikatan Nasional against Ahmad Syar’e Yusof of BN and C Subramani of PH.
Permas will witness a four-cornered contest after Amanah fielded Sharon Teo as its first Chinese candidate. She will face Baharudin Mohamed Taib of BN, T Vela of PN and Zamil Najwah Arbain of Bersama.
Former ministers return to the spotlight
Pasir Raja will see former health minister Adham Baba return to state politics after an eight-year absence. Representing BN, he will face PH’s Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim and PN’s Yuhanita Yunan in a three-cornered contest.
In Larkin, BN’s Hairi Mad Shah is seeking re-election against Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat of PH, while Bersama’s Norsinah Abu completes the field.
Endau will make electoral history as Parti Orang Asli Malaysia makes its election debut. The party has nominated Jati Awang to contest against BN’s Alwiyah Talib, PH’s Saiful Nizam Samat and PN’s Hasnul Hakimi Hussien in a four-cornered race.
Marginal seats could prove decisive
Political observer Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said several marginal seats narrowly won by BN in the 2022 state election, including Bukit Pasir and Parit Yaani, could determine whether the coalition retains its two-thirds majority or whether the opposition secures significant gains.
Polling is scheduled for July 11, while early voting will be held on July 7.
