Johor bahru: Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should consider fielding young and new faces as candidates in the upcoming Johor state election, particularly in constituencies with a high percentage of young voters, UMNO Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said. The move would not only have a positive impact on BN but would also create opportunities for a new generation of leaders to emerge as the party's future leadership through the state legislative assembly, she added.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina emphasized the importance of acknowledging the growing influence of young voters, citing that in her own constituency, about 40 percent of the electorate are young voters. "My hope is that this will be given emphasis," she remarked during a press conference following the launch of the MADANI Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Tanjung Serindit. She also noted that the final decision on candidate selection rests with the state BN leadership and political bureau.

Azalina, who also serves as the Pengerang MP, expressed her desire for the two incumbent state assemblymen under her parliamentary constituency, Aznan Tamin (Tanjung Surat) and Fauziah Misri (Penawar), to be retained as candidates for the upcoming election. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a democratic spirit, free from violence or any untoward incidents, as the election approaches.

Addressing the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly, Azalina mentioned that the decision was made by the state government under Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, with the consent of the Johor Palace. She attributed the decision to the continued positive support from the people of Johor for the state government's leadership under BN. She highlighted events such as the UMNO 80th Anniversary Celebration at Istana Besar Johor and Johor Darul Ta'zim's 12th Super League title victory as indicators of the strong support for the current leadership.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly, effective June 1, after receiving consent from the Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.