Johor bahru: Claims describing Barisan Nasional's (BN) campaign for the upcoming Johor state election as 'lacklustre' are merely a matter of political perception and do not reflect the reality on the ground. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the coalition's election machinery was actively campaigning and that rival coalitions were entitled to their own views.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that BN believes its campaign is in full swing and that any assessment made by other coalitions outside the BN component parties is their prerogative. He made these remarks at a press conference following the Southeast Johor Development Authority's (KEJORA) Excellent Service Awards 2025 and Santunan Kasih programme, attended by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Ahmad Zahid also expressed gratitude for the support BN had received from various quarters and hoped it would translate into votes on July 11, ensuring victory for the coalition's candidates. Addressing claims that the cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level might confuse traditional voters in Johor, he clarified that the issue did not arise due to Johor's unique position, where the state government was formed before the Unity Government at the federal level.
He further stated that BN, contesting all 56 state seats, aims for a resounding victory to strengthen its mandate, buoyed by the strong performance of the administration led by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that under Onn Hafiz's leadership, the Johor government recorded revenue of RM2.26 billion last year, the highest among states in Peninsular Malaysia.
Commenting on PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's call for voters to reject PH outright, including in straight fights involving BN, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition preferred a professional approach, focusing on their candidates and welcoming any additional support.
The Johor state election will see BN and PH fielding 56 candidates each, Perikatan Nasional (33), Bersama (15), MUDA (four), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) (one), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) (one), and six Independent candidates. Polling is scheduled for July 11, with early voting set for July 7.