KUALA TERENGGANU: Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will remain as Barisan Nasional’s “poster boy” for the Johor election, with the coalition eyeing to win more than 40 seats, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said Onn Hafiz, who is state coalition chairman had submitted a list of proposed candidates, adding the line-up would be finalised after consultations with component party leaders.
“The candidates are still being assessed. At the same time, we must also respect the candidates put forward by Barisan’s other component parties,” he said at the Bumiputra Entrepreneurs Economic Convention 2026.
On Barisan’s target, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition is setting its sights on improving its past performance, referring to the 2022 polls.
However, he acknowledged that no victory comes easily and that success would depend on hard work, sound strategy and a well-organised election machinery.
He expressed confidence 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 the coalition’s relationship with Pakatan Harapan following the decision to contest separately, Ahmad Zahid pointed out that Barisan had formed the Johor government before the establishment of the Unity Government at the 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.”
The Johor Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for the 16th state polls.
In the 15th state election on March 12, 2022, Barisan won 40 seats, Pakatan won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional took three and Muda won one.
