Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional's (BN) blend of experienced leaders and fresh faces for the 16th Johor state election is the best formula for meeting the increasingly complex challenges of governing, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said. He emphasized the importance of balancing continuity in leadership with new perspectives to effectively manage the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled stressed that fielding an entirely new line-up would be an unnecessary gamble, especially in a time that demands experienced leaders to address increasingly complex challenges. He argued that having a mix of experienced and new candidates ensures stability and effective governance once the people's mandate is secured.
'We must remember that the situation we face today is very complex. If we field only new candidates, it would be like experimenting. We simply cannot afford that,' he stated. The vice-president made these remarks while attending the Southern Zone Armed Forces Family Day Carnival at X Park Impiana 2 Square, Bandar Seri Impian.
Highlighting the importance of experience, Mohamed Khaled, who is also the Defence Minister and Kota Tinggi MP, said it is crucial for an effective government. He noted that BN's strategy is not merely to satisfy public perception with new faces but to prioritize candidates who can deliver on their responsibilities if elected.
He further added that Johoreans require a strong and stable government to tackle current challenges and continue the state's development agenda. Elections, he stressed, should empower voters to choose a government capable of delivering a better future.
Mohamed Khaled also noted that only BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are realistically in a position to form the next Johor state government based on the number of seats they are contesting. BN and PH are each contesting all 56 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN), through PAS and Bersatu, is contesting only 27 seats in total.
'If you look at the nominations, only BN and PH have the numbers to form the state government. PAS is contesting 11 seats and Bersatu 16. Even combined, they cannot form the state government,' he noted.
In PONTIAN, Johor BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan elaborated on the selection of all 56 candidates, which was based on a thorough assessment. This assessment took into account a balanced mix of new faces, experienced leaders, women, and youth candidates. BN also fielded technocrats and professionals from various backgrounds, including lawyers, doctors, and engineers.
'We are highly confident because the candidates presented to the people have been assessed from every angle,' he stated during a press conference after officiating the Meh Lah Pontian Community Programme: Kelana Keringat in conjunction with the National International Museum Day Festival 2026.
Polling is scheduled for July 11, with early voting on July 7.