Make clear your state election plans, Johor Amanah tells BN allies

Summary

• Johor Amanah urges Umno-BN to clarify whether it is working with Pakatan Harapan in the next state election, due early 2027, as it will let the coalition chart its course more effectively.

• Deputy chairperson Dzulkefly Ahmad notes Umno-BN appears unwilling to negotiate and says further reluctance will lead to calls for the state Harapan to go solo.

Johor Amanah has urged Umno to clarify whether it plans to contest the upcoming state election as part of the unity government or in a three-way battle.

Its deputy chairperson, Dzulkefly Ahmad, claimed that Umno and BN appear unwilling to negotiate with Johor Pakatan Harapan on forming a cohesive political strategy ahead of the 16th state election due by early 2027.

“What we take issue with is the formation of the state government, which has failed to recognise Johor Harapan partners, especially in terms of political appointments.

“As a result, Johor Harapan supporters and grassroots have begun to question the legitimacy of the state government’s composition.

“Johor Amanah urges the BN-led state government to clearly state whether the coming election will be a two-cornered or three-cornered contest under the Unity Government. This clarity will allow Harapan to chart its course more effectively.

“Furthermore, we believe it is crucial for Johor Harapan to be involved in efforts to develop the state. If Umno-BN refuses to include Harapan, then it is only natural that suggestions arise for Harapan to go solo in the 16th state election,” he said in a statement today.

He added that Umno-BN should show maturity in accepting criticism instead of lashing out and belittling Harapan allies, who are also part of the federal coalition government.

Previously, Johor Amanah did not rule out the possibility of contesting all state seats without working with other coalitions, including BN.

Its vice-chairperson, Zuhan Zain, said this was among two scenarios being considered by the coalition as it formulates its electoral strategy.

Flashpoint

The Johor state election must be held by early 2027, when the current term of the state assembly expires around March that year. Apart from Johor, Malacca, Sabah, and Sarawak are also due for polls.

Seat negotiations between Harapan and BN are expected to pose a major challenge, especially in Johor, a long-time BN stronghold.

While the two coalitions share federal power, consensus on seat distribution at the state level, particularly in Johor, has yet to be finalised.

BN controls 40 of the 56 state seats in Johor.

Harapan has 13 seats, of which Amanah won only one - Simpang Jeram - in the 2022 state election, and retained the seat during the 2023 by-election held after the death of former incumbent, Salahuddin Ayub.

Perikatan Nasional forms the opposition bench with the remaining three seats.

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