KLUANG: Barisan Nasional's blend of experienced leaders and fresh faces for the 16th Johor state election is the best formula for meeting the increasingly complex challenges of governing, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
He said criticism that Barisan was relying heavily on “recycled” candidates should be viewed in the context of the need to ensure continuity in leadership and experience within the state administration.
According to Mohamed Khaled, fielding an entirely new line-up would amount to an unnecessary gamble at a time when experienced leaders are needed to navigate increasingly complex challenges.
"We must remember that the situation we face today is very complex. If we field only new candidates, it would be like experimenting. We simply cannot afford that.
"That is why the best approach is to have a combination of experienced and new candidates," he told reporters after attending the Southern Zone Armed Forces Family Day Carnival at X Park Impiana 2 Square, Bandar Seri Impian, here on Sunday (June 28).
The Defence Minister and Kota Tinggi MP said experience is crucial to ensuring a government can function effectively once entrusted with the people's mandate.
He said Barisan was not fielding new faces merely to satisfy public perception, but was instead prioritising candidates capable of delivering on their responsibilities if elected.
"We are not trying to showcase an entirely new line-up only for them to be unsure where to begin after winning. What matters is the ability to work and serve the people," he said.
He added that Johoreans need a strong and stable government to address current challenges and continue the state's development agenda, stressing that elections should enable voters to choose a government capable of delivering a better future.
Mohamed Khaled also argued that only Barisan and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are in a position to form the next Johor state government based on the number of seats they are contesting.
Following nominations yesterday, Barisan and Pakatan are each contesting all 56 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN), through PAS and Bersatu, is contesting 27 seats.
"If you look at the nominations, only Barisan and Pakatan have the numbers to form the state government. PAS is contesting 11 seats and Bersatu 16. Even combined, they cannot form the state government," he said.
Meanwhile, in Pontian, Johor Barisan deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the selection of all 56 candidates was based on a thorough assessment, taking into account a balanced mix of new faces, experienced leaders, women and youth candidates.
The Umno supreme council member said Bernama had also fielded technocrats and professionals from various backgrounds, including lawyers, doctors and engineers.
"We are highly confident because the candidates presented to the people have been assessed from every angle," he told a press conference after officiating the Meh Lah Pontian Community Programme: Kelana Keringat in conjunction with the National International Museum Day Festival 2026.
Polling is on July 11, with early voting on July 7. – Bernama
