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JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today extended his best wishes to all early voters participating in the 16th Johor State Election, describing the voting process as a crucial responsibility in determining the state's future. In a message to early voters, Onn Hafiz said every vote cast carries hope and will help shape whether the stability, development and progress achieved in Johor over the years can continue. He called on eligible voters to place their trust in Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates, saying the coalition remained committed to ensuring political stability, accelerating development and safeguarding the welfare of the people of Johor. Onn Hafiz expressed confidence that, if given the mandate, BN would continue to serve the people with dedication and fulfil the trust placed in the coalition. He also prayed for the early voting process to proceed smoothly, safely and in an orderly manner, while encouraging voters to fulfil their democratic responsibility. The Johor Menteri Besar concluded his message by rallying support for Barisan Nasional ahead of polling day, expressing hope that the coalition would be given the opportunity to continue leading the state. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Onn Hafiz Urges Early Voters to Back BN for Johor’s Continued Progress

JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today extended his best wishes to all early voters participating in the 16th Johor State Election, describing the .... read more

ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 7 – Barisan Nasional (BN) Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan continued his Johor state election campaign today by attending a casual meet-and-greet session with voters in the N.49 Kota Iskandar state constituency. The programme, held at the Lima Kedai Polling District Centre (PDM), was also attended by Barisan Nasional's Kota Iskandar candidate, Datuk Pandak Ahmad. Mohamad's visit was aimed at engaging directly with local voters while demonstrating support for the party's campaign machinery and candidate ahead of polling day. During the programme, he interacted with residents, listened to their concerns and views, and shared BN's commitment to delivering development and improving the well-being of the people of Johor. The event was held in a friendly atmosphere, with supporters and local residents taking the opportunity to meet the party leadership and its candidate. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan Meets Kota Iskandar Voters, Strengthens BN Campaign

ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 7 – Barisan Nasional (BN) Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan continued his Johor state election campaign today by attending a casual meet-and-greet session with voters in .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Permas State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sharon Teo Siew Hui, today announced six offers under the "Permas Kita Settle" manifesto which focus on solving infrastructure issues, traffic congestion, youth development, women and family well-being and community empowerment. He said the offer was formulated based on feedback from residents, results from field visits and studies with several think tanks to identify the main issues in the Permas DUN. "From the survey and feedback we received in the field, infrastructure issues are actually the main issue in Permas. That is what we hear from the people," he said at a press conference here today. Teo said the results of the audit would later form the basis for the preparation of the Permas Traffic Plan 2030 to address congestion problems, especially on the Permas Jaya to Pasir Gudang route. He said other offers were the establishment of the Permas Youth Hub , making Permas more women and family friendly, empowering the Sabah and Sarawak communities including upgrading the Borneo Market and holding regular Permas Community Dialogues. Commenting on the demographics of voters, Teo said the 18 to 39-year-old group comprised approximately 53 percent of the total 113,963 voters in the Permas DUN, thus making the youth agenda among the priorities in his bid. Therefore, he hopes that voters, including young people and voters on the fence, will give him the opportunity to serve in Permas for five years, by bringing the experience he gained while serving as a special assistant to the late former Pulai Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub since 2018. With five days left before the vote this Saturday, Teo has chosen the approach of listening to the people's voices and reaching out to voters regardless of race as the focus of his campaign. "I will treat the people as well as possible, regardless of race. I will sit and discuss with them. If you want to be a representative of the people, the first thing you need to do is listen to what the people want," he said. He said voter sentiment in the area was also increasingly positive as more and more voters gave words of encouragement throughout the campaign period. Teo will be challenged by the incumbent of the seat, who is also a Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, Baharudin Mohamed Taib, Dr Zamil Najwah from the United Malaysia Party (Bersama) and T. Vela representing the Perikatan Nasional (PN) in a four-cornered contest. -- BERNAMA

Johor Election: Sharon Teo’s Six Offers in “Permas Kita Settle” Manifesto

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Permas State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sharon Teo Siew Hui, today announced six offers under the “Permas Kita Settle” manifesto .... read more

TANGKAK, July 6 -- Datuk Seri Dr.  Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reiterated that United Malays National Organisation will not establish any cooperation with Parti Islam Se-Malaysia despite appreciating the party’s open support for Barisan Nasional candidates in the Johor state election. According to Zahid, who is also BN chairman, the support expressed by PAS leaders does not alter Umno’s position nor create any new form of collaboration between the two parties, which are contesting separately in the Johor polls. “BN greatly appreciates the open support, but it does not change the status or create any new cooperation between Umno and PAS, which are contesting separately in this election. “That support comes from PAS leadership. We appreciate the support. “And we do not feel that the support will influence any alliance or cooperation that Umno, in particular, has or will establish with PAS,” he told reporters when met in Tangkak, Johor, today. Zahid added that BN respects PAS’ stance, but said the sincerity and impact of the support would only be evident when the votes are counted. “We respect their position, and we hope the support will truly materialise. “We will see it in the ballot papers that will be opened on July 11,” he said. Previously, PAS had instructed its machinery and supporters to support BN candidates even though both parties are contesting separately in the Johor state election. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB SUARA UMNO

UMNO Will Not Cooperate With PAS Despite Support for BN Candidates – Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi

TANGKAK, July 6 — Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reiterated that United Malays National Organisation will not establish any cooperation with Parti Islam Se-Malaysia despite appreciating the party’s .... read more

SEMERAH, July 6 -- YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on voters in Semerah to support Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar, describing him as a hardworking leader who understands the needs of the people and consistently serves the community yesterday. Fahmi said he had the opportunity to accompany Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the People's Feast Programme alongside Mohd Khuzzan. According to Fahmi, the Prime Minister urged the people of Semerah to give their mandate to Mohd Khuzzan so that he could become an effective voice in the Johor State Legislative Assembly and champion the aspirations and welfare of local residents. Fahmi said Semerah needed a representative who was committed to serving the people, understood local issues and maintained a strong presence on the ground. He also highlighted the Prime Minister's appreciation for the efforts of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), which continues to assist communities, particularly women, by providing opportunities to generate income and improve their standard of living. Fahmi said empowering women through access to opportunities and sustained support not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens families and contributes to building more prosperous communities. -- MINUTESMY

YB Datuk Fahmi Calls on Semerah Voters to Back PH Candidate Mohd Khuzzan

SEMERAH, July 6 — YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on voters in Semerah to support Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar, describing him as a hardworking leader .... read more

YONG PENG, July 6 — Wee Ka Siong has urged the federal government to restore the originally announced 10-year tax exemption for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Education Foundation, arguing that the move is crucial to ensuring affordable higher education for students from all backgrounds yesterday. Speaking at the "Maju Johor – Yong Peng People's Rally" on Sunday night, the MCA president confirmed media reports that the Foundation's tax exemption period had been reduced from the promised 10 years to only three years. Wee said the reduction contradicted a public announcement made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in February, when he announced that education foundations would receive a 10-year tax exemption. According to Wee, the Ministry of Finance later issued an official letter in June granting the Foundation a tax exemption of only three years instead of the promised decade. He said he would continue to appeal to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance to reinstate the Foundation's full 10-year tax exemption, stressing that the measure is essential to help TAR UMT continue providing quality tertiary education at affordable fees, particularly for underprivileged students regardless of race. Wee also argued that education should not be politicised, urging the MADANI government not to take actions that could affect educational opportunities for the younger generation. During the rally, Wee also called on voters in Yong Peng to support Barisan Nasional candidate Ling Tian Soon in the upcoming Johor state election. He praised Ling's 16 years of service to the Yong Peng community, saying the incumbent had remained committed to serving residents even after losing the seat in 2018 before regaining it in the 2022 Johor state election. Wee urged voters to once again back Ling in order to ensure the continuity of development and progress in Yong Peng. -- MINUTESMY

Wee Ka Siong Urges Government to Restore TAR UMT Foundation’s 10-Year Tax Exemption

YONG PENG, July 6 — Wee Ka Siong has urged the federal government to restore the originally announced 10-year tax exemption for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Education Foundation, arguing that .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU. JULY 6 -- Skudai state assembly candidate Kartiyaini Jeyapalan has called on Barisan Nasional (BN) to provide a clear public explanation regarding the appointment process of nominated state assembly members in Johor, following recent remarks by the Menteri Besar. The Johor Menteri Besar had reportedly stated that BN candidates who were defeated in the recent state election will not be considered for appointment as nominated state assembly members. The statement has sparked public debate and raised questions over the transparency and criteria behind such appointments. Kartiyaini said the clarification is necessary as it has led to further public speculation on whether the selection of nominated assembly members had already been predetermined prior to the election. “If only winning candidates are eligible for nomination, does this imply that the allocation of nominated seats was already fixed in advance?” she questioned, adding that such concerns warrant a clear explanation from the state government. She also raised questions over whether any political understandings or arrangements had been made involving other parties, including PAS, which did not contest in most constituencies in the election. Kartiyaini stressed that she was not making any accusations, but was instead raising concerns on behalf of the public regarding transparency in political processes and appointments. “In a democratic system, matters involving political cooperation and public appointments must be open to scrutiny, rather than left to speculation,” she said. She added that the people of Johor have the right to know whether any undisclosed agreements existed, and urged BN leadership and the Menteri Besar to respond clearly and openly to prevent further speculation. “Politics can be competitive, but it must also be transparent. The public deserves honesty and clarity from those in power,” she said. -- MINUTESMY

BN should publicly clarify whether there was a prior political agreement on appointed state assembly members – Kartiyaini Jeyapalan

JOHOR BAHRU, JULY 6 — Skudai state assembly candidate Kartiyaini Jeyapalan has called on Barisan Nasional (BN) to provide a clear public explanation regarding the appointment process of nominated state .... read more

SEGAMAT, JULY 6 -- The campaign trail for the Johor state election continued in Segamat as Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari joined Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa at a community engagement programme held in conjunction with a friendly gathering event attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The programme saw a strong turnout from local residents, with organisers describing the atmosphere as highly encouraging, reflecting active public interest in the ongoing political campaign in the state. During the event, Amirudin said that communities in areas such as DUN Pemanis and DUN Jementah should receive equitable access to economic opportunities, quality employment, and development on par with more urbanised regions in Johor. He stressed that no district should be left behind in the state’s development agenda. He also outlined the broader aspiration of the coalition to form a state government that prioritises not only attracting high-value investments but also ensuring that such investments translate into tangible benefits for the people, including job creation, income growth, and wider economic spillover effects. Amirudin called on party workers to maintain campaign momentum, engage voters, and continue efforts to communicate their message ahead of polling day, emphasizing the importance of securing voter support for their political objectives in Johor. -- MINUTESMY

Johor Deserves Inclusive Growth and Equal Development Across All Districts – Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari

SEGAMAT, JULY 6 — The campaign trail for the Johor state election continued in Segamat as Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari joined Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa at a community .... read more

LETANG, July 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised attempts to politicise legal matters, stressing that the rule of law must be respected and should not be dragged into the Johor state election campaign. Speaking during a campaign event in Letang, Anwar said it was inappropriate for any party to use issues involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in a way that could influence voter sentiment or distort the democratic process. “There is no compromise in the rule of law. It is unnecessary to bring such issues into the election arena for political gain and create chaos,” he said. He added that efforts to link electoral outcomes with legal decisions undermine democratic principles and risk misleading the public. Anwar also criticised what he described as attempts to shape political narratives around the case, saying such actions should not be used as campaign material during the state election. The Prime Minister further noted reports of political statements suggesting that a strong electoral victory for any party could influence the outcome of Najib’s legal situation. He said such claims were irresponsible and should not be used to sway voters. Opposition parties have meanwhile intensified campaigning in Johor, with various issues, including Najib’s case, featuring prominently in political speeches and public discourse. Analysts say the controversy could influence voter sentiment as campaigning enters its final phase. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: VANAKAM MALAYSIA

Johor Election: PM Anwar Cautions Against Using Najib Issue for Political Gain

LETANG, July 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised attempts to politicise legal matters, stressing that the rule of law must be respected and should not be .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6  -- Campaigning for the 16th Johor State Election, now in its second week, has seen the two main political coalitions intensify their groundwork to reach out to the voters, with each banking on its own unique approaches to win the people's hearts. Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), both fielding candidates in all 56 state seats, are opting for different campaign strategies and policy offerings ahead of the Saturday (July 11) polling day. PH is emphasising policy agendas and solutions that address the daily concerns of the people, while BN is leveraging on the strength of its party network and the presence of several high-profile political figures to boost campaign momentum. Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, a political analyst from Universiti Malaya, said PH's strategy is more focused on convincing voters through its policy offerings that address issues related to cost of living, income growth, access to affordable housing, human capital development and a more equitable distribution of economic benefits. He said the approach reflects PH's efforts to advance the narrative that Johor's development should not be measured solely by investment figures or economic growth, but instead be translated into tangible benefits that can be felt directly by the people. "PH is trying to convince voters that Johor's development should not merely be about investment figures but must result in better wages, affordable housing, quality employment opportunities and better guaranteed welfare for the people,” he told Bernama. "PH has unveiled its manifesto, titled "Johor For All”, which outlines a comprehensive action plan to address these critical issues, including focusing on integrated strategies to increase domestic wage levels, as well as ensuring investment returns are directly translated into improving the welfare and quality of life of the people of Johor as a whole. Meanwhile, observations at the BN camp show that the coalition has started aggressively leveraging the return of two well-known personalities: former UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and former UMNO Youth chief  Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ), who both rejoined UMNO through the 'Rumah Bangsa’ initiative. Commenting on the re-emergence of former BN leaders in the state polls, Muhammad Tawfik said that in the current political landscape, voters have become increasingly discerning and are no longer easily influenced by the mere presence of prominent political figures at campaign talks (ceramah). "Voters today are more critical. They not only see who is delivering campaign speeches, but also evaluate whether the party has clear policy offerings, credible candidates and policies that address the people's concerns,” he said. Meanwhile, Ilham Centre chief researcher Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yusry Ibrahim said Hishammuddin's active participation in this election campaign could very well reconvince some of the UMNO supporters who had previously become disillusioned with or distanced themselves from the party. The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) lecturer also said that Hishammuddin still has a major influence in Johor, which could help revive support for BN, especially among the coalition's traditional supporters. Mohd Yusry added that Khairy's presence could also swing the advantage in BN's favour as it strives to reach out to younger voters, since he is one of the political figures who consistently enjoys positive support among that demographic. "KJ has consistently been a popular figure among the younger voters. His return has helped BN's campaign quite a bit, and it could spark an interest among a segment of voters that UMNO and BN had previously struggled to reach,” he said. According to him, voting patterns among young people have become increasingly fluid, as they no longer display the strong party loyalty seen in previous generations. "Young voters generally are not loyal to any party. They are more attracted to public figures they recognise, follow and feel connected to. That's why the candidate factor is becoming increasingly crucial to determining the voting inclination of this group,” he said. The Johor state election will see 172 candidates contesting 56 seats. Polling will be held on Saturday (July 11), while early voting is scheduled for July 7. -- BERNAMA

Johor Polls: PH, BN Adopt Different Strategies, Bank On Distinct Strengths

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 — Campaigning for the 16th Johor State Election, now in its second week, has seen the two main political coalitions intensify their groundwork to reach out .... read more