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Malaysia’s political parties are expected to use the 16th Johor state election as a crucial testing ground, with the contest likely to serve as a precursor to a new political alignment at the national level.
The two coalitions that make up the Madani Government at the federal level — Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) — are almost certain to contest all 56 state seats in Johor.
Their performance is expected to provide an early indication of whether their traditional support bases remain intact, particularly amid dissatisfaction among some Umno and DAP grassroots supporters over the two former rivals governing together.
READ MORE: The 22 June Sitting That Never Was: How Johor Saw Its Snap Election Coming
Just days after the Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1, Johor BN was forced to deny a purported candidate list circulating on social media.
In dismissing the list, Johor BN chairman and caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and political provocations.
“I would like to stress that the list is false and inaccurate.
“Any official announcement regarding Barisan Nasional candidates will only be made through the coalition’s official channels. In the heat of an election, there will undoubtedly be slander, rumours, provocations and fake news aimed at confusing the people,” he said in a Facebook statement.
Besides BN and PH, Parti Bersama Malaysia, led by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, has confirmed that it will make its electoral debut in Johor.
“Johor 2026 provides an opportunity to introduce Bersama to Johor voters, even though the party is less than a month old since its relaunch on May 17.
“Our participation in Johor 2026 will also allow Bersama to build its election machinery within a short period and test its strengths and weaknesses in preparation for future elections,” Rafizi said in a joint statement with his ally Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
More details on Bersama’s participation are expected to be announced during Rafizi’s nationwide roadshow, which will kick off in Johor on June 6 at Danga Bay Convention Centre.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional (PN) is grappling with internal tensions, with relations between PAS and Bersatu appearing increasingly strained.
PAS Syura Council secretary Datuk Nik Mohamad Zawawi Salleh said the issue surrounding PN’s direction and Bersatu’s internal conflict had been referred to the party’s Central Working Committee.
“The matter will be announced at a press conference early next week following the PAS Central Working Committee meeting,” PAS treasurer Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad told TRP via WhatsApp.
The PAS Central Working Committee is expected to convene on June 8.
Despite the uncertainty, Johor PN chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the coalition intends to contest all 56 seats, with 80% of seat allocations already finalised.
The remaining 20% involve discussions with Parti Rakyat India Malaysia (MIPP) and potential electoral pacts with Muda and Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR).
Adding further intrigue to the race, the Reset movement — spearheaded by sacked Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin — has also expressed interest in entering the Johor polls.
Its coordinator Datuk Zulkifli Bujang said the election would provide the movement with a platform to push for change and offer Johoreans an alternative.
The Election Commission yesterday confirmed receiving official notification from the Johor Speaker regarding the dissolution of the state assembly.
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