Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) has kicked off its campaign for the 16th Johor state election with high confidence in its bid to wrest back the Bukit Kepong seat from Perikatan Nasional (PN). BN candidate Ahmad Syar'e Yusof said the party's confidence is fuelled by its robust divisional-level machinery, which has been steadily built over the past three years, alongside solid backing from both leadership and grassroots members.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Syar'e emphasized that UMNO Pagoh and BN are in optimal condition as they advance towards polling day. He expressed assurance that the momentum they have built will persist throughout the election period. He spoke to reporters following the nomination process at the Kompleks Sukan Pagoh nomination centre.

Ahmad Syar'e, a former teacher, remarked on the challenge posed by the incumbent from Bersatu, stating that he feels no pressure. Instead, he encouraged voters to evaluate the incumbent's accomplishments over the past two terms critically. He pointed out that despite the trust placed in them by the people of Bukit Kepong, several development proposals, including housing projects, were not pursued, which he intends to highlight during his campaign.

The upcoming state election will see Ahmad Syar'e competing in a three-cornered contest against incumbent Datuk Dr Shahruddin Jamal from PN, who also served as the 17th Johor menteri besar, and C. Subramani from PH. Bukit Kepong, part of the Pagoh parliamentary constituency, has 37,683 eligible voters.

The Johor state election is scheduled for July 11, with early voting set for July 7.