Johor: Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has submitted the coalition's proposed candidates for the upcoming state election, with the list now being assessed, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today. The Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman stated that the lineup submitted by the Menteri Besar would be finalized after consultations with leaders of BN's component parties.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the candidates are still under assessment and that it is crucial to respect the nominations put forward by BN's other component parties. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Economic Convention (KEUB) 2026 at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, confirmed that Onn Hafiz would continue to be BN's poster boy for the election. BN aims to win more than 40 seats in the state election, improving on its performance in the 2022 polls. Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that achieving victory would require hard work, sound strategy, and a well-organized election machinery.
He expressed confidence that the initiatives implemented by the Johor government under BN's administration would garner voter support and reinforce public backing for the coalition. Addressing perceptions about BN's relationship with Pakatan Harapan (PH) following their decision to contest separately, Ahmad Zahid clarified that the Johor government was formed by BN before the establishment of the Unity Government at the federal level.
He stated, 'The Johor government is a BN government, not a Unity Government. Johor BN has opened the door for friendly contests across all 56 state seats.' Onn Hafiz had announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly after obtaining consent from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, thus paving the way for a fresh state election. The coalition plans to field candidates in all 56 state constituencies.
In the 2022 Johor state election, BN achieved a significant victory, securing 40 of the 56 seats contested, while PH won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional three, and MUDA one.