Johor: Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) today unveiled its line-up of candidates for the 16th Johor state election, fielding experienced incumbents and several new faces across all 56 state seats. The line-up, comprising 37 UMNO candidates, 15 from MCA, and four from MIC, was unveiled by Johor BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the coalition's candidate announcement ceremony here.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Onn Hafiz stated that the selection was made with the mandate and approval of BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Johor Menteri Besar will defend the Machap seat, which he won in the 2022 state election. Among the notable names in the line-up is former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, who has been fielded in Pasir Raja. Adham, who is also Tenggara UMNO division chief, previously represented Pasir Raja for two terms from 2008 to 2018 and served as Tenggara MP for two terms from 2004 to 2008 and from 2018 to 2022.

In Benut, former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, who is the incumbent assemblyman, was not nominated for the state election. Instead, BN has named UMNO working secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan to contest the seat. Meanwhile, nine of the 10 former Johor executive councillors who contested in the 2022 state election have been retained as candidates. Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On, formerly State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman, is the only former exco member not renominated to defend the Serom seat.

In his speech, Onn Hafiz reminded all candidates that their nomination was not a reward or privilege but a trust and responsibility that must be carried out with integrity. He urged all candidates to conduct their campaigns in a courteous, respectful, and prudent manner, in line with the values upheld by the people of Johor.