KOTA TINGGI: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has defended the timing of the impending Johor state election.
He said there would never be a perfect time to hold polls given the state's packed annual calendar.
The Kota Tinggi MP, who is also the former Johor mentri besar, said concerns over weather conditions and festive seasons made it difficult to identify a more suitable period for elections.
"Johor only has a few months left this year. By November, December and January, we face the monsoon and flood season, especially in areas such as Kota Tinggi," Mohamed Khaled said.
He noted that February and March coincide with Hari Raya celebrations, adding that the festive season in Johor is lengthy.
Mohamed Khaled spoke during a press conference after meeting with taxi drivers at the Kota Tinggi taxi and bus terminal on Tuesday (July 2).
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He added that if the state government believed the timing was appropriate, the matter should ultimately be left to the people.
"As long as there is an election, the people will have the opportunity to decide," he said.
On Monday (June 1), Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the state assembly.
The dissolution followed the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, paving the way for Johor's 16th state election.
Johor last held a state election on March 12, 2022, in which Barisan secured a two-thirds majority after winning 40 of the 56 seats.
Of the 40 Barisan seats, Umno holds 33 seats, MCA four and MIC three.
Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional took three and Muda won one.
