COMMENT | I traversed the parliamentary constituencies of Muar, Pagoh, Segamat, Sekijang, Labis, Kluang, and Mersing for the last 10 days to cover the Johor state election.

Beneath the usual political drama and noise, something else caught my attention: the existence of an intense “Bangsa Johor” (Johor nation) narrative.

During my journey from Muar to Mersing, I encountered three consistent visual anomalies that illustrated just how distinct the political and cultural landscape is in Johor.

At almost all official state government buildings, the Jalur Gemilang seemed to have vanished. What fluttered majestically in the wind was the Johor state flag.

At federal government premises, such as...