The dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is being used as a political strategy to create the impression that UMNO and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are no longer aligned, according to Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (PEJUANG) president Mukhriz Mahathir.
Mukhriz claimed that despite any differences displayed during the upcoming Johor state election campaign, UMNO and PH are expected to continue working together once the polls are over.
He said many supporters of both UMNO and DAP remain uncomfortable with the cooperation between the two parties, but argued that their electoral arrangements suggest the political partnership remains intact.
“Although the dissolution of the Johor assembly appears to go against PH’s wishes, I believe it is merely intended to convince the public that UMNO and PH are not on the same page,” he said.
Speaking to BH on Tuesday, Mukhriz pointed out that UMNO and DAP are not contesting the same seats, which he said reflects the continued strength of their political understanding.
“What many people fail to realise is that UMNO and DAP are not competing against each other in the same constituencies.
“During the campaign they may present different narratives, but once the state election is over, they will come together again just as they have before,” he claimed.
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced on Monday that the state’s 56-seat legislative assembly had been dissolved, paving the way for the 16th Johor state election.
The announcement was made during a special press conference at his official residence in Saujana.
Mukhriz urged voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric and understand what he described as the political strategy being employed by both parties.
He said voters should not be influenced by perceptions created during the election period and instead assess the broader political picture.
“If the public recognises this tactic, they will have the opportunity to send a clear message through the ballot box by supporting Perikatan Nasional and its allies,” he said.
Mukhriz further claimed that voters should not allow themselves to be misled and argued that the democratic process provides an avenue to express dissatisfaction with both UMNO and PH if they disagree with the parties’ political cooperation.
The remarks come as political attention shifts towards the upcoming Johor state election, which is expected to become a key test of support for both the Unity Government and opposition parties.
