Johor Polls: BN, PH Lead Field With 56 Candidates Each

By Hasnah Jusid

JOHOR BAHRU, June 27 (Bernama) – Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are leading the field in the 16th Johor state election by contesting all 56 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) is contesting 33.

Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) is contesting 15 seats, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) four, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) one.

Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI) made history by making its electoral debut, fielding Jati Awang in the Endau seat in a four-cornered contest against PN, BN and PH.

A total of 172 candidates were confirmed eligible to contest by returning officers after the nomination process concluded today.

As early as 7 am, nomination centres across the state came alive with party slogans, waving flags and cheering supporters accompanying candidates and their respective party leaders. Favourable weather throughout the morning also helped ensure a smooth nomination process.

Among the party leaders accompanying their candidates was UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who turned up to support BN candidate for the Machap seat, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, at the Simpang Renggam District Council's Dewan Muafakat.

In Permas, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu led hundreds of PH supporters in a procession accompanying candidate Sharon Teo Siew Hui to the nomination centre at Dewan Muafakat Taman Mawar, with chants of "Johor Undi PH" echoing throughout the march, which began at about 8.15 am.

Communications Minister and PH communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil arrived at the nomination centre at the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) in Batu Pahat at 9.05 am to accompany PH's Semerah candidate Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar.

PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar accompanied the PH candidate for Senggarang, Onn Abu Bakar, to the nomination centre at the Advanced Technology Training Centre, while PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail accompanied PH's Puteri Wangsa candidate Dr Maszlee Malik, the former education minister.

In Kulai, Johor DAP chairman and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching arrived at the nomination centre at Dewan Raya Putra, Bandar Putra at 8.26 am to accompany PH's Bukit Permai candidate Mohamad Shafwan Ani.

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin arrived at the nomination centre at the Pagoh Sports Complex Hall at 8.45 am to accompany PN candidate for the Bukit Kepong seat, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, who is also Johor Bersatu chairman and Johor PN chairman.

The 14-day campaign period officially began today, with attention turning to several key battlegrounds, including Machap, where incumbent Onn Hafiz will face Nur Hafiz Roslan of PH in a straight fight.

Also drawing attention is the political comeback of former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, who is contesting the Pasir Raja seat in a three-cornered fight against Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim (PH) and Yuhanita Yunan (PN).

Other closely watched seats include Senggarang, Bukit Kepong, Tiram, Bukit Permai, Puteri Wangsa, Semerah, Larkin and Permas.

Under the PH banner, PKR is fielding 20 candidates, Amanah 19 and DAP 17, while on the BN side, UMNO is contesting 37 seats, MCA 15, and MIC 4. PN has 16 candidates from Bersatu, 11 from PAS, five from the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) and one from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang).

Meanwhile, Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the nomination process proceeded smoothly without any incidents or disturbances, and police will continue to monitor campaign activities to ensure they remain peaceful and orderly.

A total of 4,832 police officers and personnel were deployed to maintain security and manage traffic throughout the nomination process, including overseeing road closures and diversions at 19 main roads near nomination centres across the state.

Before the Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1, BN held 40 seats, followed by PH (12), PN (three) and MUDA (one).

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/

– BERNAMA