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JOHOR BAHRU, July 3-- Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest. The Deputy Prime Minister said campaign focus should instead be on candidates’ strengths and their offers to the people, noting that some of the contesting parties are also cooperating at the federal government level. “Although there are certain individuals who have been attacking UMNO and BN with old issues, I hope these issues will not be played up because we are partners at the federal level, and I hope we approach the political arena in Johor with wisdom and in the best possible manner. “I don’t think we need to raise other issues because every week we meet at the Cabinet meeting, and I do not want them to feel awkward when meeting leaders who are their colleagues in the Cabinet,” he said after attending a community programme in the Kempas state constituency today. Ahmad Zahid also denied claims that BN is overconfident in facing the state election, saying the party considers itself the underdog, based on changes in the state’s political landscape. He said BN must work hard to improve on its performance of capturing 40 seats in the last state election, especially as more than half of the voters are now young people. According to him, the manifesto presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi places emphasis on youth needs, including job opportunities and skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Noting that the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.9 per cent, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this is a positive sign, but young people still need access to premium-wage jobs that can be achieved through skills training. “What we are offering in Johor is technical and skills training for young people, with high opportunities being given strong emphasis in the Barisan Nasional manifesto,” he said. He therefore appealed to young voters in Johor to support BN candidates in the state election, taking into account the offerings provided for their future. BN is contesting all 56 seats in the 16th Johor state election. Polling will be held on July 11, with early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

Johor Polls: Stop Raising Old, Unrelated Issues – Ahmad Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3– Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 -- Pakatan Harapan's (PH) record of delivering all the pledges in its 100-day manifesto when it governed Johor after the 14th General Election (GE14) should serve as a benchmark for voters in the upcoming Johor state election, said Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan. He said the achievement demonstrated that PH not only made election promises but also fulfilled its commitments to the people. Among the 10 initiatives delivered under the 100-day manifesto were limiting the Menteri Besar's tenure to two terms, introducing the Johor Health Card (Kad Sihat Johor), implementing an open tender system and providing 10 cubic metres of free water to eligible groups. "We also delivered a takaful scheme for senior citizens, higher education incentives, licence fee exemptions for hawkers, a 50 per cent discount on outstanding rent for People's Housing Project (PPR) units, the vertical government quota and marriage incentives for young people," he said at the launch of PH's "Johor for All" manifesto here today. Also present were PH Presidential Council member Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching and Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Aminolhuda urged Johor voters to turn out in large numbers on July 11 and give PH the mandate to form the state government. The Johor Amanah chairman said he was confident the manifesto launched today could be implemented by the coalition if it forms the next state government. "I am confident the (future) leadership will continue the work led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the federal level and deliver on what has been promised," he said. PH is contesting all 56 state seats in the Johor polls. -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: PH’s Record Proves It Delivers, Says Aminolhuda

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) record of delivering all the pledges in its 100-day manifesto when it governed Johor after the 14th General Election (GE14) should serve .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) has expressed confidence that the coalition will be able to achieve victory in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) and thus form a state government to continue the previous administration. Johor UMNO Liaison Body Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said BN was on the best track to achieve victory in the 16th Johor state election with the target of securing more than 40 of the 56 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats being contested. He said his confidence was based on his observations and assessments after helping with campaigns in 25 of the 26 parliamentary constituencies in Johor. "Personally, my conclusion and my thinking and my analysis is that BN is in a winning position," he said in an interview with Bernama. He said the re-participation of several big names in the Rumah Bangsa initiative such as Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, Khairy Jamaluddin, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Tan Sri Noh Omar who were present to support the nomination of candidates also added value to the campaign work. Ahmad, who is also the Pontian UMNO Division Chief, said the target could also be achieved based on the response of voters, the candidates' work and the strength of the party machinery at the Voting District Centre (PDM) level. He said that throughout the almost week-long campaign, the BN machinery was seen active from morning to night with various activities including house-to-house programmes, checking voter data, training activities and coordinating the operations room. "I am quite comfortable in the state of Johor seeing the strength and activity of the machinery at PDM which we have made the headquarters or operations room. "There, from morning until night, there are various activities, whether they go door to door, do data analysis, dry runs and all that," he said. Ahmad said BN's strength in this election was also aided by the presence of recruitment machinery from other states that were stationed throughout Johor to strengthen existing work ahead of polling day on July 11. He said the approach added value to the BN campaign because the external machinery brought new perspectives, experiences and suggestions in an effort to win over voters. "This support mechanism is special because it provides a different perspective than usual. For example, in the Pontian Parliament, our support mechanism is the Menteri Besar of Pahang who also assists the Pulai Sebatang, Benut, Kukup and Pekan Nanas state constituencies. "The perspective of the machinery from Pahang gave us encouragement, new input and views based on their experiences outside our thinking box," he said. Ahmad said he would focus fully on the campaign in Johor until polling day, especially in areas considered BN's priorities, including Larkin, Kempas, Kota Iskandar and Pulai Sebatang. -- BERNAMA

Johor State Election: Ahmad Maslan Confident of BN’s Victory, Defending Johor with Over 40 Seats

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has expressed confidence that the coalition will be able to achieve victory in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) and thus form .... read more

Johor Polls: PH-led Gov’ts Deliver Strong Economic Growth – Amirudin

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — The Federal government, together with the Penang and Selangor state governments, has demonstrated the strength of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) leadership by delivering robust economic growth, .... read more

KUALA LANGAT, 3 July -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the “People-Centred Economy” agenda in Johor ahead of the 2026 State Election (PRN), with a focus on inclusive development that delivers direct benefits to the people. Its Parliamentary Coordinator for Kuala Langat, Haridass Ramasamy, said Johor is currently at a crucial stage in determining its future direction as a state with strong potential in investment, trade, and job creation. He said that economic growth in the state must be translated into fair and widespread benefits for the people, including higher household incomes, quality job opportunities, and the strengthening of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He added that strategic cooperation between the State Government and the Federal Government is essential in unlocking development potential such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), public transportation projects, high-tech industrial development, and modern infrastructure. In his statement, he also outlined several key priorities that will be championed by Pakatan Harapan, including: Creation of more high-income job opportunities for Johoreans Targeted assistance to ease the burden of the rising cost of living Empowerment of entrepreneurs, youth, and women through access to financing, training, and business opportunities Improvement of education quality and TVET training to produce highly skilled workers Upgrading transportation systems, healthcare, affordable housing, and public amenities Strengthening transparent, integrity-driven, and accountable governance to ensure prudent use of public funds “This election is not just about choosing a representative, but about determining Johor’s future. With inclusive economic policies and strong leadership, Johor can become a more prosperous and competitive state,” he said. Haridass stressed that a comprehensive development approach is crucial to ensure all segments of society fairly benefit from the state’s progress. The slogan “Johor Progressing. Economy Growing. People Benefiting.” was also highlighted as the core aspiration of the development agenda. -- MINUTESMY

Pakatan Harapan Comitted To Strengthen Economy And People’s Well-Being In Johor Ahead Of PRN 2026 – Haridass Ramasamy

KUALA LANGAT, 3 July — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the “People-Centred Economy” agenda in Johor ahead of the 2026 State Election (PRN), with a focus .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, JULY 3 -- Bukit Batu assemblyman Arthur Chiong Sen Sern today held a media interview session and informal engagement with Greenpeace representatives as well as residents of Ulu Choh, Bukit Batu. He expressed appreciation to local traders, residents, and community members for warmly receiving the visit. According to him, such engagements provide an important opportunity to listen directly to the views, hopes, and needs of the people on the ground. He added that Bukit Batu is not just a geographical area, but a community strengthened by a spirit of unity and togetherness. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continue engaging with the public, listening to their concerns, and working towards positive change for the community. -- MINUTESMY --SOURCE: FB Arthur Chiong Sen Sern

Arthur Chiong Engages Ulu Choh Community, Reaffirms Commitment to Ground Engagement

JOHOR BAHRU, JULY 3 — Bukit Batu assemblyman Arthur Chiong Sen Sern today held a media interview session and informal engagement with Greenpeace representatives as well as residents of Ulu .... read more

SHAH ALAM, JULY 3 -- Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said he made a brief visit to the Main Operations Room (BGU) for DUN N.16 Sungai Balang, located about two kilometres from the area. He said the visit was an opportunity to check on the welfare of party workers and to boost the morale of the campaign machinery, which is actively working throughout the election period to seek support from voters. He also expressed hope that Pakatan Harapan candidate for DUN N.16 Sungai Balang, Soraya Badarudin, would be given a mandate by voters to serve as a strong voice for youth in the Johor State Legislative Assembly. -- MINUTESMY

YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari Visits Sungai Balang Operations Room, Expresses Support for PH Campaign Machinery

SHAH ALAM, JULY 3 — Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said he made a brief visit to the Main Operations Room (BGU) for DUN N.16 Sungai Balang, located about two .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched its "Johor for All" manifesto as the coalition's pledge to voters for the 16th Johor state election. The manifesto was launched by PH Presidential Council member Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also PKR's co-election director, at a ceremony here. Also present were Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching, Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and the coalition's candidates contesting the state election. -- BERNAMA

Johor Polls: PH Unveils ‘Johor For All’ Manifesto

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched its “Johor for All” manifesto as the coalition’s pledge to voters for the 16th Johor state election. The manifesto was .... read more

PETALING JAYA, JULY 3 -- Political observers believe PAS is deliberately maintaining a calculated and flexible relationship with Bersatu, rather than fully breaking away from its Perikatan Nasional (PN) partner ahead of key state elections. According to The Asia Group’s Associate Vice President Asrul Sani, PAS appears to be balancing political messaging with electoral strategy. While the party has occasionally distanced itself rhetorically from Bersatu, it is not rushing into a formal split. “PAS is separating rhetoric from election strategy. They want the political benefits of distancing themselves from Bersatu without facing the full consequences of a complete break,” he said. Asrul added that PAS has become the dominant force within PN, with stronger grassroots machinery and electoral organisation, particularly in Malay-majority areas. However, Bersatu still plays an important role in attracting segments of Malay voters who may be reluctant to support PAS directly. “This makes Bersatu still useful in several seats, even though the relationship is increasingly strained,” he said. He noted that maintaining Bersatu as an ally also gives PAS flexibility to renegotiate political alignments after the Johor state election, ahead of the next general election. At a recent PAS Central Committee meeting, the party stopped short of making a firm decision on its ties with Bersatu, contrary to expectations that a clearer stance would be announced regarding cooperation within PN in Johor. Instead, PAS reiterated its focus on defending “Malay-Muslim political power” and urged voters not to support Pakatan Harapan (PH). Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs analyst Oh Ei Sun said the PAS-Bersatu dynamic in Johor remains complex, especially given Bersatu’s stronger position in the southern state. He noted that Johor is the political base of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who previously served as menteri besar for nine years, making PAS more dependent on Bersatu’s ground strength in the state. “As a result, PAS cannot afford to alienate Bersatu before the election. Any major realignment is more likely to happen after the Johor polls,” he said. Oh added that a full break between PAS and Bersatu could split the Malay vote, potentially benefiting Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH). However, Asrul suggested that the true test of the PAS-Bersatu relationship may come in the Negeri Sembilan state election, where the National Vision Party led by Hamzah Zainudin is expected to make its debut. He said that if the new party manages to gain traction with PAS support, Bersatu could find itself sidelined within the opposition bloc. Conversely, if Bersatu remains competitive, PAS is likely to continue managing the partnership despite ongoing tensions. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FMT

Johor State Election: Analysts Say PAS Takes Strategic Approach in Ties with Bersatu

PETALING JAYA, JULY 3 — Political observers believe PAS is deliberately maintaining a calculated and flexible relationship with Bersatu, rather than fully breaking away from its Perikatan Nasional (PN) partner .... read more

TANGKAK: The battle for the Tangkak state seat is shaping up to hinge on Malay voter support, with both the incumbent from DAP and his MCA challenger acknowledging that backing from all communities will be crucial in the mixed constituency. Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Ee Chin Li said changes in Tangkak's voter demographics since the 2022 Johor state election mean candidates can no longer rely on support from a single ethnic group. He noted that Chinese voters now make up about 48 per cent of the electorate, while Malay voters account for approximately 46 per cent, narrowing the gap compared with the previous election when Chinese voters formed more than half of the electorate. "As a candidate, I need the support of all races. We cannot focus on only one community because every vote is important," he said. Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Haw Chin Teck echoed the same sentiment, saying his campaign is aimed at all voters regardless of race. "We respect every voter and do not campaign based on race," he said. The Tangkak seat is expected to be closely contested after Ee secured victory in the 2022 Johor state election with a slim majority of 372 votes in a five-cornered contest. However, Ee said the previous result should not be viewed as a benchmark, pointing out that the election was held shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic when voter turnout was only about 54 per cent. He said PH has since focused on strengthening grassroots support and encouraging more voters, particularly those living outside the constituency, to return home and cast their ballots. On PAS' decision to back the BN candidate following the absence of a Perikatan Nasional (PN) contender, Ee acknowledged that it presents an added challenge for PH. "We recognise the pressure from PAS' support for BN, but we will address it by working harder and ensuring more PH supporters come out to vote," he said. Meanwhile, Haw welcomed support from all quarters, saying any backing that helps BN secure victory would be appreciated. He also urged voters to consider the performance of the Johor administration under Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi when casting their ballots. The lawyer added that, if elected on July 11, he intends to use his legal expertise to serve the people of Tangkak, including providing free legal assistance to residents who require it. -- MINUTESMY

Malay Vote Seen as Key Decider in Tangkak as DAP, MCA Candidates Court All Communities

TANGKAK, JULY 3 — The battle for the Tangkak state seat is shaping up to hinge on Malay voter support, with both the incumbent from DAP and his MCA challenger .... read more

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