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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

PONTIAN, JULY 3 – Former federal minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said Johor’s strong economic performance is the result of the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government’s political stability and decisive leadership since securing a large electoral mandate in 2022. Speaking at a campaign event in the Pulai Sebatang state constituency, Khairy highlighted that Johor recorded an economic growth rate of eight percent, describing it as the fastest in the country. He attributed the achievement to the BN-led state administration’s ability to make decisions without political constraints or the need to negotiate with coalition partners. According to Khairy, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been able to implement policies efficiently because the Johor government is not dependent on the approval of multiple political parties. He said governments formed through broad political coalitions often face challenges in making difficult decisions, as leaders must balance the interests of various parties. In contrast, he argued that Johor’s administration has been able to focus on policies that directly benefit the people. Khairy said this was the type of governance BN hopes to maintain in the upcoming Johor state election by securing another strong mandate. He also addressed criticism surrounding Onn Hafiz’s stance against forming a Unity Government in Johor, saying the Menteri Besar’s position should not be interpreted as arrogance. Instead, Khairy said Onn Hafiz’s priority is to preserve the government's ability to govern effectively and continue implementing state initiatives without political interference. He cited programmes such as the Johor charitable assistance scheme, charity sales, and the Rumah Bangsa Johor housing initiative as examples of policies that the Menteri Besar aims to sustain. Khairy added that a government free from coalition pressures would be better positioned to continue these initiatives and avoid situations where political partners could threaten to withdraw support over policy disagreements. He concluded by expressing confidence that BN would secure another mandate in Johor, allowing the state government to continue its development agenda with political stability. -- MINUTESMY

Johor’s Strong Economic Growth Driven by Stable BN Administration – Khairy Jamaluddin

PONTIAN, JULY 3 – Former federal minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said Johor’s strong economic performance is the result of the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government’s political stability and decisive .... read more

BATU PAHAT, July 3 -- Once mocked by residents as ‘Jalan Koyok’ owing to its heavily patched condition, the road transformation has now become one of the highlights in Yong Peng state assemblyman Ling Tian Soon’s report card in his bid to secure a second-term mandate in the Johor state polls. Ling, who is known as Ah Soon among locals, said upon being elected as a representative in 2022, he prioritised long-delayed basic development, particularly upgrading infrastructure as a catalyst for local economic growth.  “I used quite a big amount of development funds to repair the road, about RM23 million over three years, covering from Ayer Hitam to the border of Segamat. In the Chinese community, there is a saying: ‘when roads are well built, the economy will also move’,” he told Bernama here recently.  Ling, 42, who is also the former state Health and Environment Committee chairman, said the transformation has begun to boost investor confidence, with more major logistics and courier companies choosing Yong Peng, located about 100 kilometres from Johor Bahru city centre, as their operational base.  He added that a leading e-commerce platform is also planning to build its largest distribution hub in Yong Peng, which is expected to create more job opportunities for youths.  “Yong Peng is centrally located in Johor and only about an hour from the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP). This strategic location offers significant advantages for the logistics and manufacturing industries,” he said.  He said Yong Peng is at a turning point towards becoming a new industrial town, as more investors are beginning to acquire land for industrial development.  On his new manifesto, which will be launched this Saturday, Ling said it will focus on three main pillars: strengthening infrastructure, enhancing social safety nets, and boosting the economy through the tourism sector.  He added that facilities for senior citizens, young families and newlyweds will also be improved to encourage more young people to continue living in Yong Peng.  Commenting on his confidence in defending the Yong Peng seat, Ling said he is leaving it to voters to assess his performance over more than four years in service.  “I have presented my report card to the people. Whether I pass or excel, let the voters decide,” he said.  Ling said he has built a close relationship with the local community over the past 16 years, starting when he handled parliamentary affairs in Ayer Hitam under its Member of Parliament and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.  “Since then, I have always been on the ground meeting the people. The relationship built is not only during elections,” he said.  Ling, who won the Yong Peng state seat for the first time in the 2022 Johor state election, said his strength lies in his consistent grassroots approach, earning him the nickname ‘YB Kedai Kopi’.  “Almost every day I stop by coffee shops, stalls or mamak restaurants to meet residents. Our relationship is no longer just between a representative and voters, but more like a family,” he said.  In the upcoming Johor polls, Ling will defend the Yong Peng seat in a straight fight against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Yong Hui Yi.  -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: Ah Soon Banks On ‘Jalan Koyok’ Upgrade To Retain Yong Peng Seat

BATU PAHAT, July 3 — Once mocked by residents as ‘Jalan Koyok’ owing to its heavily patched condition, the road transformation has now become one of the highlights in Yong .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged Johoreans living and working outside the state to return home to cast their votes in the upcoming Johor state election on July 11, describing the poll as a crucial opportunity to determine the state's future. In a statement, Fahmi called on voters to support Pakatan Harapan, stressing that every vote carries significant weight in shaping Johor's direction and ensuring continued progress. He reaffirmed that Pakatan Harapan remains committed to conducting a clean, respectful and issue-based campaign, guided by integrity, responsibility and service to the people. Fahmi said political competition should be centred on policies, ideas and solutions that benefit the rakyat, rather than resorting to provocation, acts of disrespect such as flag-burning, or the use of fake social media accounts to spread misinformation and sow division. He also encouraged eligible voters residing outside Johor to make arrangements to return home on polling day, emphasising that public participation is essential to strengthening the democratic process. "Your vote will determine Johor's future," he said, urging the electorate to fulfil their civic responsibility and contribute to the state's continued development through the ballot box.   

YB Fahmi Fadzil Calls on Johoreans to Return Home and Vote, Reaffirms Pakatan Harapan’s Commitment to Clean Campaigning

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged Johoreans living and working outside the state to return home to cast their votes in the upcoming Johor state .... read more

KOTA TINGGI,  July 3 —  The incumbent assemblyman for Tanjung Surat, Aznan Tamin, is determined to strengthen the eco-tourism and oil and gas sectors as key drivers of economic growth in the constituency if given the mandate again in the 16th Johor State Election. The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate said Tanjung Surat has significant untapped economic potential, particularly its scenic coastal areas, which could be developed into eco-tourism attractions to generate income and employment for the local community. “Developing the eco-tourism sector will not only raise Tanjung Surat’s profile as a tourist destination but also create greater economic opportunities for the people,” he said after a meet-and-greet session with the fishing community at the Sungai Rengit Fishermen’s Jetty here. Aznan said Tanjung Surat’s strategic location near the Pengerang oil and gas industrial hub also provides opportunities to create more high-income jobs, especially for young people. The former Johor Education and Information Committee chairman said the initiative would be supported by skills training and upskilling programmes to ensure more local youths meet the industry's workforce requirements. “We want to equip our young people with the right skills so they can secure quality jobs in the oil and gas sector while continuing to live and work in their hometown,” he said. Apart from economic development, Aznan, who is affectionately known as “YB Nanan”, said improving basic infrastructure, including roads and street lighting, would remain among his priorities to enhance the comfort and safety of residents. He said the state government, in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR), has installed streetlights at several locations, particularly along the Bandar Penawar–Pengerang route, and that such efforts would continue to support the area's tourism development. “A tourist destination may be attractive, but without adequate lighting, it appears less welcoming. That is why we are giving due attention to infrastructure improvements,” he said. He added that efforts to strengthen the people's welfare would also continue to ensure development initiatives deliver comprehensive and lasting benefits to residents. The Tanjung Surat state seat will see a straight fight between Aznan and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Faizul Abdul Ghani in the Johor state election. Polling for the 16th Johor State Election will be held on July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7. -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: BN’s Aznan Pledges To Boost Eco-tourism, Oil And Gas Sectors In Tanjung Surat

KOTA TINGGI, July 3 — The incumbent assemblyman for Tanjung Surat, Aznan Tamin, is determined to strengthen the eco-tourism and oil and gas sectors as key drivers of economic growth .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to headline Pakatan Harapan's "Jelajah Johor Ke Depan, Undi Harapan" programme in Johor Bahru on Saturday as the coalition intensifies its campaign ahead of the Johor state elections. The event will be held at 7.45pm on July 4 at the parking area beside Wisma SBBU in Bandar Baru Uda. Also scheduled to speak at the programme are Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Johor Pakatan Harapan chairman Aminolhuda Hassan. The event will also feature Pakatan Harapan's candidates contesting the Johor Bahru parliamentary area's state seats, namely Lee Wern Yiing (Johor Jaya), Sharon Teo (Permas), Suhaizan Kaiat (Larkin), Cheng Kah Eng (Stulang), Alan Tee Boon Tsong (Perling), Muhammad Faezuddin Mohd Puad (Kempas), Kartiyaini Jeyapalan (Skudai), Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (Kota Iskandar), Mohamad Shafwan Ani (Bukit Permai) and Arthur Chiong (Bukit Batu). The programme is expected to outline Pakatan Harapan's vision for Johor while rallying support for its candidates ahead of polling day. Party supporters and members of the public have been invited to attend the event. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Anwar to Headline Pakatan Harapan’s ‘Jelajah Johor Ke Depan’ Programme in Johor Bahru

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to headline Pakatan Harapan’s “Jelajah Johor Ke Depan, Undi Harapan” programme in Johor Bahru on Saturday as .... read more

BATU PAHAT, July 2 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the Johor State Election (PRN) need to campaign prudently and not entertain personal attacks from opponents who may consider the coalition a threat. Former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said BN needs to maintain a mature campaign without elements of incitement or personal attacks to achieve victory. "Don't give hope, don't incite, don't make personal attacks and don't sow hatred when campaigning. Maintain the status of campaigning honorably with plans for the benefit of the people," he said. He was speaking at a press conference after the Lunch Hour With KJ x NS programme here today which was also attended by BN candidate for the Parit Yaani state assembly seat, Datuk Mohamad Najib Samuri. Touching on young voters, Khairy said BN has its own approach to reaching out to first-time voters aged 18 and those in their 20s who may not have experienced BN's previous phase of success. "This group does not know the history of BN, we will fight for their direction by providing several initiatives such as job opportunities and owning a house as well as assistance to further their studies," he said. Meanwhile, Mohamad Najib hopes voters can trust him based on his record of completing several projects in the area. "After four years as the elected representative in this area, several pending projects have been successfully completed, including school construction, road upgrades and most recently, flood mitigation projects," he said. In his mission to defend the Parit Yaani seat in this year's state election, Mohamad Najib faces a one-on-one competition against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Md Ezam Md Taslim. A total of 172 candidates are contesting in the Johor state election which will be held on July 11, while early voting is on July 7. -- BERNAMA

BN to continue campaigning with tact, not to respond to personal attacks – Khairy

BATU PAHAT, July 2 — Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the Johor State Election (PRN) need to campaign prudently and not entertain personal attacks from opponents who may consider the .... read more

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