BN sees Johor snap polls as vehicle for 'blue wave' comeback nationwide, says chairman Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is targeting the upcoming Johor snap polls as a crucial launchpad for a nationwide resurgence, aiming to contest all 56 legislative seats in the southern state.

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The Johor state election is the true point of determination. From Johor we rebuild strength, from Johor we reignite the flame of struggle, and from Johor we show that the blue wave is back.

BN Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi declared Sunday that a victory in Johor would not only solidify the coalition's presence in the state but also ignite a broader "blue wave" comeback, reinforcing its standing as a significant political force. "The Johor state election is the true point of determination. From Johor we rebuild strength, from Johor we reignite the flame of struggle, and from Johor we show that the blue wave is back," Zahid reportedly stated at the Johor BN election machinery launch. He added, "We want to send a clear signal to the nation that BN remains relevant, remains strong, and continues to be the people's choice."

Currently, BN is a partner in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s federal unity government, alongside his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and Borneo-based parties. Despite collaborating federally, BN and PH are political rivals in Johor. The Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1, initiating a snap election to be held within 60 days, by July 31, nearly a year before its scheduled end in June 2027. In the March 2022 elections, BN dominated the 15th Johor state legislative assembly with 40 seats, while PH secured 12, Perikatan Nasional (PN) took three, and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) claimed one.

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We want to send a clear signal to the nation that BN remains relevant, remains strong, and continues to be the people's choice.

With PN also intending to contest all 56 seats, most constituencies are bracing for three-cornered fights. Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has announced it will run independently. Zahid, who also serves as deputy prime minister and UMNO president, urged Johor voters to choose the stability offered by BN, highlighting caretaker Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi's governance record. He contrasted this with the perceived uncertainty in other political blocs, stating, "The Bangsa Johor (Johor Nation) can study in Johor, work in Johor, own homes in Johor and build families in Johor. This is the result of ongoing efforts by the state government today." He further asserted that the state has delivered on jobs, housing, and economic opportunities under Onn Hafiz's leadership, aiming for Johor to become a model state attracting investment while ensuring development benefits all societal levels.

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The Bangsa Johor (Johor Nation) can study in Johor, work in Johor, own homes in Johor and build families in Johor. This is the result of ongoing efforts by the state government today.