Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin remains confident that Perikatan Nasional (PN) can form the next Johor state government despite contesting only 33 of the 56 seats in the state election.
Muhyiddin said PN could potentially secure enough support with the backing of its allies, including Muda.
‘Potentially, we have the numbers to form the next state government together with our other allies,’ he told reporters after accompanying Bersatu’s Bukit Kepong candidate, Sahruddin Jamal, to the nomination centre.
His remarks came in response to Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros, who questioned PN’s commitment to forming the next state government based on the number of seats the coalition is contesting.
PN eyes simple majority
A total of 56 state seats will be contested in the July 11 election, with 29 seats required to secure a simple majority and form the next state government.
PN is currently contesting 33 seats while facing an internal crisis.
Earlier, PAS, a component party of PN, said it was prepared to remain in the opposition in Johor. Party president Abdul Hadi Awang said PAS was confident of winning all 11 seats it is contesting.
Before the dissolution of the state assembly, Barisan Nasional held 40 seats, Pakatan Harapan 12, PN three and Muda one.
Endau seat reviewed
Muhyiddin also explained Bersatu’s decision not to defend the Endau seat, saying the move followed a review of the party’s chances of retaining the constituency.
He said the former incumbent had been expected to defend the seat but later defected to another party, prompting Bersatu to reassess its electoral prospects.
‘If we field a new face, would they be able to win?’ he said.
The former Endau assemblyman, Alwiyah Talib, recently rejoined Umno and has been named as Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the constituency in the upcoming election.
