KUALA TERENGGANU: Johor Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has submitted their proposed candidates for the upcoming state polls and the list is being assessed, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said the line-up submitted would be finalised after consultations with leaders of the coalition's component parties.
"The candidates are still being assessed. At the same time, we must also respect the candidates put forward by other Barisan component parties," he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Bumiputra Entrepreneurs Economic Convention 2026 at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort here on Tuesday (June 2).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister, confirmed that Onn Hafiz would remain Barisan's poster boy for the election.
He said Barisan is setting its sights on winning more than 40 seats in the state election, improving on its performance in the 2022 polls.
However, Ahmad Zahid stressed that no victory comes easily and that success would depend on hard work, sound strategy and a well-organised election machinery.
He expressed confidence that the various initiatives implemented by the Johor government under Barisan's administration would resonate with voters and strengthen public support for the coalition.
Addressing perceptions surrounding Barisan's relationship with Pakatan Harapan following the decision to contest separately, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that the Johor government was formed by Barisan before the establishment of the unity government at Federal level.
"The Johor government is a Barisan government, not a unity government. Johor Barisan has opened the door for friendly contests across all 56 state seats," he said.
In KOTA TINGGI, Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Barisan component parties should consider fielding young and new faces as candidates for the polls, particularly in constituencies with a high percentage of young voters.
She said this would not only have a positive impact on Barisan but also create opportunities for a new generation of leaders to emerge as the party's future leadership through the state legislative assembly.
"We have to accept the reality that many young people are now voters. Even in my constituency, about 40% of the electorate are young voters. My hope is that this will be given emphasis," she told a press conference after launching the Madani Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Tanjung Serindit here.
She pointed out that the final decision on candidate selection rests entirely with the state Barisan leadership and political bureau.
At the same time, Azalina, who is also Pengerang MP, expressed hope that the two incumbent state assemblymen under her parliamentary constituency – Aznan Tamin (Tanjung Surat) and Fauziah Misri (Penawar) – would be retained as candidates for this election and that the election would proceed in the spirit of democracy, free from violence or any untoward incidents.
On the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly, Azalina said the state government under Onn Hafiz had the right to dissolve the assembly with the consent of the Johor Palace.
According to her, the decision was made following continued positive support from the people of Johor for the state government's leadership under Barisan.
"Perhaps with what has happened, such as the Umno 80th anniversary celebration and Johor Darul Ta'zim's 12th Super League title, I see a great deal of positive support from the people of Johor towards the state government's leadership. Maybe these are among the factors," she said.
On Monday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly after obtaining the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, paving the way for a fresh state election.
He also confirmed that the coalition would field candidates in all 56 state constituencies.
In the 2022 Johor state election, Barisan secured a commanding victory by winning 40 of the 56 seats contested, while Pakatan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional three and Muda one.
