Category :

Politics

JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the strong participation of the Indian community and residents of various races at a BN programme in Perling reflected the true spirit of Bangsa Johor, which emphasises unity beyond race, religion and political differences. He said the Bangsa Johor concept is a unifying vision that has long brought together the people of Johor, while BN has consistently championed stability, harmony and inclusive development for all communities. Zahid said the overwhelming turnout at the programme demonstrated the enduring spirit of togetherness and mutual respect among Johoreans, regardless of their backgrounds. He also expressed confidence in BN candidate Pannir Selvam, saying he is capable of carrying out his responsibilities with dedication while working as part of a united team. According to Zahid, Pannir Selvam would continue to prioritise local development, economic growth, family well-being and the interests of the people of Perling if given the mandate. He expressed hope that with the unity and support of the people under the spirit of Bangsa Johor, BN would secure a meaningful victory that would ensure continued stability, progress and a brighter future for Perling and Johor. -- MINUTESMY

Indian Community’s Support Reflects Spirit of Bangsa Johor – Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi

JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 — Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the strong participation of the Indian community and residents of various races at a BN programme in .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 -- The perception that 18-year-old voters are still politically inexperienced has been proven wrong, as Generation Z (Gen Z) voters demonstrate greater awareness through access to information at their fingertips. The political maturity shown by first-time voters indicates that traditional influences, such as following family preferences when deciding at the ballot box, are gradually declining. The trend also signals to political parties that relying solely on family ties or persuading parents to influence their children’s choices may no longer be an effective strategy. For Kempas state constituency voter Emmanuel Praveen Tobias, 18, voting is an individual right that should not be influenced by anyone, including family members. “Most young people today vote based on their own choices and preferences. The practice of following parents’ choices is becoming less common among us. “Although I did not have the opportunity to follow the campaigns closely, I can study the candidates’ profiles through social media before making my decision,” he told Bernama. Similarly, Mengkibol voter Nur Izzati Kamaruddin, 19, said the mindset of young people had shifted compared with previous generations that largely followed their guardians’ political choices. The (ERT) Azizah Vocational College student said easy access to information had made young voters more independent and less receptive to traditional political narratives that offered little value to their future. “Previously, we might have followed the candidates chosen by our parents, but not anymore. I will personally check candidates’ TikTok and Instagram accounts to assess their work before making a decision,” she said. Meanwhile, Perling voter Ramshatul Adawiyah Rosli, 18, said the freedom to choose allowed young people to evaluate candidates based on their ideas, policies and credibility rather than popularity alone. She said early exposure to political discussions had shaped her expectations for more progressive policies, particularly in education and student welfare. “We want candidates who are close to the people, especially young people like us. This makes it easier for us to assess their credibility and ability to present ideas,” she said, adding that she preferred candidates who were active and energetic. Muhammad Fitri Salpularshari, 19, from Parit Yaani, and Elysa Smau Bigat, 18, from Skudai, shared similar views, saying access to digital platforms helped young voters assess candidates’ integrity and service records. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) senior lecturer  at the Department of Social Sciences, Dr Nazreena Mohammed Yasin, said there had been a noticeable shift in the political behaviour of young and first-time voters. She said while family influence previously played a major role in shaping political preferences, young voters today were more independent and analytical. "Family influence has not disappeared completely, but it is no longer the deciding factor for all young voters. They are now more willing to question and compare information,” she said. Nazreena said social media had changed the way young people engaged with politics, allowing them to follow debates, manifestos and candidates’ statements directly through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. She said first-time voters were increasingly critical, assessing candidates based on their personality, credibility, ability to present ideas, service record and capacity to address local issues, alongside the party they represented. However, she cautioned that the digital environment also required strong media literacy to help young people distinguish between reliable information, manipulative content and fake news. “Overall, I see today’s young voters as more issue-oriented. They tend to evaluate candidates based on matters that directly affect their lives, such as employment opportunities, education, cost of living and the policies offered by political parties,” she said. The state election sees 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling day set for July 11 while early voting is being held today. -- BERNAMA 

Pilihan Raya Johor: Penganalisis Gesa Kempen Matang, Bukan Permusuhan Politik

JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 — The perception that 18-year-old voters are still politically inexperienced has been proven wrong, as Generation Z (Gen Z) voters demonstrate greater awareness through access to .... read more

KLUANG, July 7 -- The Election Commission (EC) is targeting a 96 per cent turnout for early voting in the Johor state election today. EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the target was based on the turnout achieved in previous elections. "Based on our previous experience, early voting turnout can reach as high as 96 per cent, and we are maintaining that projection," he told a press conference after observing the early voting process at Kem Mahkota here. Commenting on today's early voting process, Ramlan said 62 early voting centres were opened across the state at 8 am. "Of the total, 29 centres closed at noon, another five closed at 2 pm, while the remaining 28 will close at 5 pm," he said. According to Ramlan, the early voting involved 20,607 electors, comprising 8,544 personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces and their spouses as well as 12,063 police personnel and their spouses. Ramlan said the early ballot boxes would be kept at police stations before vote counting begins on Saturday. "Early ballots will only be counted on polling day this Saturday from 5 pm. We expect the full results to be known before midnight, and we hope they can be available as early as 10 pm," he said. He urged the 2.7 million eligible ordinary voters to turn out in large numbers on Saturday to fulfil their civic responsibility.  "This is an opportunity for all of us to contribute to the nation through the democratic system that we uphold." -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: EC Targets 96 Per Cent Turnout In Early Voting

KLUANG, July 7 — The Election Commission (EC) is targeting a 96 per cent turnout for early voting in the Johor state election today. EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun .... read more

PONTIAN, 7 July — Barisan Nasional Deputy Chairman Mohamad Hasan expressed confidence that Barisan Nasional (BN) will retain the Kukup state seat in the Johor state election. Mohamad said he began the day by visiting the polling district operations centre at Parit Rambai in the N.57 Kukup state constituency, located within the Tanjung Piai parliamentary constituency, where he had breakfast with election workers, local residents and BN's Kukup candidate, Israk Abdullah. He said the visit was aimed at boosting the morale of campaign workers and showing support for the party's grassroots machinery ahead of polling. Mohamad expressed optimism that BN would be able to retain the N.56 Kukup state seat, noting that the coalition secured the constituency with a majority of more than 8,000 votes in the 2022 Johor state election. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan Confident Barisan Nasional Will Retain Kukup Seat

PONTIAN, 7 July — Barisan Nasional Deputy Chairman Mohamad Hasan expressed confidence that Barisan Nasional (BN) will retain the Kukup state seat in the Johor state election. Mohamad said he .... read more

LABIS, 7 July — Pakatan Harapan National Chairman, Gobind Singh Deo, has invited residents of Labis and Chaah to attend a series of campaign events in conjunction with the Johor state election. Gobind said he would attend the Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Presiden at Labis Sunrise Farm, featuring Mohamad Sabu, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and President of Parti Amanah Negara. He said the event would also provide an opportunity for the public to meet Pakatan Harapan's Tenang candidate, Elia Nadira Sabudin, as well as other coalition leaders. Following the programme in Labis, Gobind said he would travel to Chaah to participate in a Pakatan Harapan ceramah alongside party leaders in support of the coalition's Bekok candidate, Tay Yok Jiuen. He called on voters to support Pakatan Harapan's candidates, saying the coalition remains committed to building a more peaceful, prosperous and progressive Johor. -- MINUTESMY

YB Gobind Singh Deo Invites Labis and Chaah Residents to Pakatan Harapan Campaign Events

LABIS, 7 July — Pakatan Harapan National Chairman, Gobind Singh Deo, has invited residents of Labis and Chaah to attend a series of campaign events in conjunction with the Johor .... read more

The percentage of voter turnout (VTO) for the Early Voting Day of the 16th Johor State Election on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, will be announced based on the latest updates throughout the day. The public is advised to refer to the official announcements for the most up-to-date voter turnout information. -- MINUTESMY

Voter Turnout (VTO) for the Early Voting Day of the 16th Johor State Election

The percentage of voter turnout (VTO) for the Early Voting Day of the 16th Johor State Election on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, will be announced based on the latest updates .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that his remarks regarding the Johor state election dates were merely a personal view aimed at encouraging a higher voter turnout, and not an attempt to interfere in the Election Commission's (EC) decision. He said the EC was an independent body with the sole authority to determine polling dates, although he believed Sunday voting would make it easier for Malaysians working in Singapore to return home to cast their ballots. “Many Malaysians are working in Singapore, and many of them work half-day on Saturdays. So, I think Sunday would be better. But the EC is an independent body. If it decides on Saturday, that is its decision. “My remarks were made in that context and should not be construed as interference. If I were interfering, it would be a different matter,” he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who sought clarification over media reports on Anwar's remarks during the Johor state election campaign regarding the decision to hold polling on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Anwar also said he had no intention of contacting his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong over voting arrangements for the state election, stressing that Malaysia adhered to the principle of non-interference in another country's electoral process. He said that although Malaysia enjoyed excellent ties with Singapore, including his personal relationship with Wong, matters relating to elections remained Malaysia's internal affair. “I have no plans to contact the Prime Minister of Singapore over voting or elections in Malaysia,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat), who suggested that Malaysia engage Singapore to facilitate the return of Malaysian voters for the state election. However, Anwar said companies in Singapore had merely been informed to facilitate Malaysian employees returning home to vote whenever an election was held. -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: PM Anwar Says Remarks On Election Date Were Personal View, not Interference

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that his remarks regarding the Johor state election dates were merely a personal view aimed at encouraging .... read more

PAGOH, July 7 -- Driven by constituents’ calls for change, C. Subramani is seeking victory in the 16th Johor state election to bring the improvements desired by the Bukit Kepong community. The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate said he is optimistic about his chances of securing a surprise win, following encouraging feedback from voters throughout the Johor state election campaign. Subramani said close cooperation and alignment between the state and federal administrations would be central to accelerating and facilitating development plans in the constituency. The Pagoh native said his ground visits, including to Orang Asli settlements, helped him identify infrastructure gaps and socioeconomic challenges affecting residents. "I have witnessed the challenges they face, and I have visited four Orang Asli communities to identify the issues that need to be resolved first. "I see positive support from local residents as they are looking for change. I am therefore not worried about facing competition from other parties in this contest," he told Bernama. Subramani, who contested the Buloh Kasap seat in the 2022 Johor state election, said stronger coordination between state and federal administrations would help ensure that local issues involving federal agencies are resolved more efficiently. He cited education-related matters as well as irrigation and drainage issues as examples that could be channelled directly to the relevant ministers or the Prime Minister if both administrations were aligned. Among the Pagoh PKR chief's other priorities are transforming the Bukit Kepong Gallery into a historical tourism hub to stimulate the local economy, while tackling issues such as poor street lighting, narrow bridges, and the need for affordable homes for the B40 community. Despite the three-cornered fight, Subramani said his years of political experience and continued engagement with residents have strengthened his position in the contest. Bukit Kepong sees a three-way contest between PH, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional candidates in the Johor state election. A total of 172 candidates are vying for 56 state assembly seats in the Johor polls, with some 2.7 million voters set to cast their ballots this Saturday… -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: Subramani Targets Surprise Win In Bukit Kepong

PAGOH, July 7 — Driven by constituents’ calls for change, C. Subramani is seeking victory in the 16th Johor state election to bring the improvements desired by the Bukit Kepong .... read more

Johor Polls: Early Voting Proceeds Smoothly Statewide

JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 — Early voting for the 16th Johor state election proceeded smoothly across Johor today, with no untoward incidents reported at polling centres involving police personnel and .... read more

KULAI, July 7 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the N.50 Bukit Permai state constituency, Mohamad Shafwan Ani, today unveiled five key action plans aimed at improving the well-being and future prospects of residents should he receive the mandate in the Johor state election. The commitments were announced during the Forum Kedai Kopi held at Restoran Ai Lai, Bandar Putra, this morning. Mohamad Shafwan said the five initiatives were formulated based on his nine years of experience serving at the Kulai Member of Parliament’s office, as well as feedback and concerns raised by residents throughout his service in the area. The five key action plans are: 1. Delivering the Best Services, Prioritising Bukit Permai Residents Mohamad Shafwan pledged to introduce an annual report card system, establish a mobile service office to bring services closer to the community, and strengthen support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups in Bukit Permai. 2. Investing in Education, Building a Generation of Hope He vowed to ensure more comprehensive allocation support for schools in Bukit Permai, while continuing assistance for students pursuing higher education and the Back to School Programme to ease the financial burden on families. 3. Building a Clean Environment, Supporting Mental Health The initiative includes efforts to establish a community centre focused on mental health and emotional well-being, as well as implementing the “Bukit Permai Clean and Dengue-Free” campaign while ensuring access to quality sanitation and water supply. 4. Strong Infrastructure, Comfortable Living Mohamad Shafwan pledged to continue fighting for immediate allocations to repair damaged roads and ensure public facilities are properly maintained and upgraded according to current needs. 5. Healthy Community, Prosperous Bukit Permai He also committed to expanding access to healthcare services through the MADANI Mobile Clinic initiative, advocating for improved healthcare facilities and enhancing healthcare protection for senior citizens, pregnant women and children. Mohamad Shafwan said the five commitments were based on the principles of transparency, accountability and service to all residents regardless of race, religion or background. He added that the initiatives reflected his commitment to adopting a people-centric approach, focusing on family welfare, education development, public health and quality infrastructure. Mohamad Shafwan expressed hope that Bukit Permai residents would give him the opportunity and mandate to represent their voices in the Johor State Legislative Assembly and fulfil the commitments outlined for the benefit of the entire community.

Shafwan unveils five key action plans for Bukit Permai residents

KULAI, July 7 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the N.50 Bukit Permai state constituency, Mohamad Shafwan Ani, today unveiled five key action plans aimed at improving the well-being and .... read more

Latest News

Cyber Force To Become Malaysian Armed Forces’ Fourth Service By 2030

The Peninsula Hotels Celebrates Multiple Honours on The 50 Best Hotels 2026 List

SOVA Intelligence Brings Generative AI Into the Heart of Business Operations

Two Killed In Two-lorry Crash At Jalan Simpang Pulai

MOE Approves RM200,000 For Repair Of Fire-damaged Classroom At SK Setia Alam – Fadhlina