KUALA LUMPUR — Pas and Bersatu will run separate campaign operations in the upcoming Johor state election, even as they contest under the same Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner, in what signals a more decentralised approach on the ground.
Both parties will deploy their own election machinery, campaign teams and organisational structures in the seats they are contesting, despite fielding candidates under a unified coalition logo.
Pas deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man confirmed that the arrangement would see both parties operating independently throughout the campaign period while still cooperating within PN’s broader framework.
“Yes, each party will use its own machinery. In terms of the relationship between Pas and Bersatu, both will work independently to ensure the success of their respective candidates,” he said as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
The development marks a shift from previous PN election strategies, where coalition candidates were typically presented collectively. This time, Pas announced its candidates in Bakri, while Bersatu held a separate launch in Pagoh.
Earlier on June 23, PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said he had signed appointment letters for candidates from Pas, Bersatu, Gerakan, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) and Pejuang, all of whom will contest under the PN logo.
He said each component party would be fully responsible for its own candidates, campaign machinery and performance in their respective constituencies.
“Now is the time for all PN component parties, leaders and machinery to focus fully on the campaign. Our priority is to offer leadership with integrity, people-centric policies and fresh hope for the wellbeing of the people of Johor,” he said as reported by New Straits Times.
Samsuri also stressed that parties under the PN banner must take full responsibility for candidate selection and campaign management.
Tuan Ibrahim dismissed earlier claims that Bersatu would be barred from using the PN logo, insisting all member parties retain the right to contest under the coalition.
“There was so much slander suggesting Samsuri would not allow Bersatu to contest under the PN logo. In reality, all PN members are entitled to use the PN logo,” he said.
While Pas has formally ended its political cooperation with Bersatu, Tuan Ibrahim said both parties should continue working together to strengthen PN ahead of the polls.
Separately, Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the party remains committed to coalition cooperation, provided unity is prioritised over internal differences.
“All parties must focus on strengthening the coalition as an alternative to the current government. If internal conflicts are minimised, the PH-BN government can be replaced,” he said.
Nomination for the Johor state election is set for June 27, with polling scheduled for July 11. – June 26, 2026