KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) Johor has said it anticipated Barisan Nasional (BN) Johor’s decision to contest all 56 state assembly seats alone in the upcoming election.
In a joint statement, PH Johor leaders – Amanah Johor chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, PKR Johor chairperson Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and DAP Johor chairperson Teo Nie Ching – emphasised that the coalition is ready for any political eventuality in the state.
“Within a mature democracy, political parties are free to decide whether to collaborate or compete with others. Therefore, Pakatan Harapan Johor respects BN Johor’s decision to contest solo across all 56 state seats.
“We had anticipated this possibility and are prepared to face the state election in a democratic, responsible manner for the benefit of the people,” the statement said.
PH Johor also stressed that the state’s development and stability were achieved through close cooperation between the state and federal governments under the Unity Government.
“Clear examples include efforts to tackle congestion at the Sultan Iskandar Building (CIQ) and the Johor Causeway, involving collaboration between multiple federal ministries and the state government.
“Other initiatives, such as the ETS service to Johor Bahru, strategic investments facilitated by MITI and federal agencies, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), and improvements to public amenities and infrastructure, have all emerged from this cooperative relationship,” it added.
The statement further questioned whether BN’s decision to run independently was an attempt to reap political gains from the Unity Government’s collaborative achievements while distancing itself during the election.
“Regardless, Pakatan Harapan Johor takes note of BN Johor’s position, expressed openly. At least BN Johor has clarified its stance early, unlike the recent situation in Negeri Sembilan,” it said.
PH Johor also indicated that it would consult its national leadership to determine the next steps for the Johor state election.
BN Johor confirmed on Saturday that it would contest all 56 state seats in the upcoming election. The announcement was made by BN Johor chairman and Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, via an official Facebook post.
Component parties MCA and MIC have expressed full support for BN’s decision.
Johor MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon described the move as “bold, accurate and far-sighted” to maintain stability and ensure BN continues to lead the state. “MCA fully supports the announcement made by Onn Hafiz and will work tirelessly to ensure BN continues to be given the mandate to govern the state,” he said.
Johor MIC chairman K Raven Kumar added that the decision was not driven by political ego but aimed at ensuring government stability and continuity of development. “Johor must continue to be led by a stable and experienced government that understands the aspirations of Bangsa Johor,” he said. – May 16, 2026