JOHOR BARU: Johor voters will be heading to the polls, as the state legislative assembly has been dissolved following the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
This paves the way for Johor’s 16th state election.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution after an audience with the Regent yesterday.
He said the instrument of dissolution of the 15th Johor state assembly took effect on June 1 following the Regent’s consent.
The dissolution was carried out in accordance with Article 23, Part II of the Undang Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Johor 1895.
“The dissolution is intended to make way for the democratic process through the Johor state election, subject to the official determination by the Election Commission,” he told a press conference at the Mentri Besar’s official residence in Saujana here.
He said the decision was made with the intention of ensuring that the people of Johor will continue to be served by a stable and strong government.
Onn Hafiz also called on political parties, candidates and supporters to uphold the spirit of democracy throughout the election period.
He urged all parties to conduct their campaigns with respect, discipline and wisdom while avoiding actions that could undermine public order or social harmony.
Onn Hafiz expressed confidence that the people of Johor will once again exercise their democratic rights responsibly in choosing the state’s next leadership.
The Election Commission is now expected to convene a special meeting to determine the dates for nomination, early voting and polling.
The term for the current Johor state assembly ends automatically on April 21 next year.
Speculation about state polls has been intense for weeks, especially after Onn Hafiz announced on May 16 that Barisan Nasional would contest solo in all 56 seats; he is a member of Umno’s supreme council.
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.
The upcoming polls will mark the 16th state election in Johor since the first state election was held in 1955.
