KUALA LUMPUR — Johor Umno’s decision to contest alone in all state seats there should not be seen as a threat to Pakatan Harapan (PH) because there is no unity government in the Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold state, said Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
The Umno Supreme Council member said the issue of threat or betrayal does not arise, in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks yesterday that Umno’s decision to contest all 56 seats in Johor by itself may push him to call an early general election.
“There is no unity government in Johor. And there is no question of betrayal. Johor Umno is acting honestly by announcement its intentions early and openly,” Puad said on Facebook today.
“It is not betrayal like in Sabah,” he added, referencing the Sabah state election last year when Umno and DAP contested against each other in the Kamabong seat.
Puad, who is also Rengit assemblyman in Johor, added that since BN is not a component of PH but PH needed BN to govern the country, Anwar’s coalition should not make “childish” accusations against BN.
“BN’s position in the unity government is based on cooperation so that the (federal) government can function,” he said.
Anwar, who is PH chairman, said at 2026 Convention at Johor Persada International Convention Centre yesterday that snap polls could be held if the unity government’s coalition partners continue to undermine political stability, in response to Johor Umno’s decision.
“If this is how we are compartmentalising and breaking ties within the government, perhaps we will choose to hold a general election nationwide?” he said.
“If they start threatening, we will respond firmly. If they negotiate well, we are good, patient, wise people and want to save this country,” Anwar said yesterday.
There are no PH assemblyman in the exco of the current Johor state government which is led by Umno’s Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi as Menteri Besar.
The Johor state election is due in February next year, when its legislative assembly’s term expires.
The country’s general election is due by February 2028 at the end of the current Parliament’s five-year term. – May 18, 2026