Barisan Nasional (BN) will contest all 56 seats in the upcoming Johor state election, according to Johor BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor Menteri Besar, said the decision was made after considering feedback from the public as well as views from UMNO and BN grassroots leaders across the state.
He said the move reflects BN’s readiness to continue leading a stable state government focused on development and the welfare of the people of Johor.
The announcement is expected to spark renewed political discussion ahead of the state polls, particularly regarding possible cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan, which currently work together at the federal level.
Under the state constitution, the Johor legislative assembly will automatically dissolve in April next year if elections are not held earlier, with polls required to be conducted within 60 days after dissolution.
In the previous state election held in March 2022, BN secured a strong mandate by winning 40 of the 56 seats, while Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats. Perikatan Nasional secured three seats, and MUDA took one.
Meanwhile, former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin was reported as saying that the Johor election would serve as a key test of BN’s strength if it contests independently.
He added that since the Johor government is BN-led rather than a unity administration, the election would provide a clearer gauge of the party’s support ahead of the next general election.
