Johor MB announces dissolution of state assembly

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has announced the dissolution of the state legislative assembly today, paving the way for the 16th state election.

The state BN chairperson said he had sought the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for the dissolution to ensure the stability of the state government.

"Following that audience, and with the consent and royal assent of His Royal Highness the regent of Johor, the proclamation dissolving the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly has been approved and takes effect today, June 1,” Onn said during a press conference at his official residence in Saujana, Johor Bahru.

"I call on all political parties, leaders and supporters to face this democratic process with courtesy, order and respect," he added.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for nomination, early voting, and polling in the coming days.

The dissolution ends speculation over the timing of the state polls, which had intensified in recent weeks following indications that the assembly could be dissolved earlier than its scheduled expiry in 2027.

BN won 40 state seats in the 2022 Johor polls, securing a two-thirds majority that allowed it to form a state government without Pakatan Harapan, its ally in the federal government.

BN vs Harapan?

On May 16, Onn declared that Johor BN will contest all 56 state seats on its own, prompting backlash from Harapan.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke vowed that his coalition will respond to any dissolution of the Johor state assembly with a similar move in Negeri Sembilan, where Harapan will also contest all seats solo.

Agreeing with this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will summon Harapan leaders soon to discuss the possibility of a snap general election as the federal government's term only expires in December 2027.

However, Bernama later reported Anwar as saying that he will meet BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to discuss the Johor state election.

Last week, DAP Youth called for Parliament to be dissolved immediately if Johor BN intends to contest the next state election alone.

DAP has consistently stood firm on pushing for general and state elections to be held simultaneously, with Loke arguing in September last year that this would ensure better coordination in party preparations while reducing costs.

He told Malaysiakini in February that his position remains unchanged as rounds of separate elections would disrupt national administration and hinder the government's ability to implement policies effectively.

At the same time, DAP has landed in the spotlight over Skudai assemblyperson Marina Ibrahim's intentions to retire from active politics.

While Marina has not specified any reasons for her planned retirement after just one term in office, a May 30 letter has surfaced on social media, purportedly depicting her as rejecting an offer to leave Skudai and contest in Tiram, as well as a proposal that she be appointed to a government-linked entity should she lose.

Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) is also expected to contest in the Johor election, with party leader Rafizi Ramli saying that election preparations are being accelerated so that candidates can be deployed ahead of the campaign period.

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