PUTRAJAYA: The Johor state election cannot be used as a platform to secure the release of any individual, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Umno information chief said any decision involving a person's legal status falls under the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and is not a political matter.
She was responding to remarks by certain parties claiming that the outcome of the state election could determine the release of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"There is no law stating that an election can free anyone. What is happening today involves the powers of the King and has nothing to do with politics," she said at a press conference after a panel session at the launch of the 2026 National Cyber Security Summit (NCSS) on Tuesday (July 7).
With regards to the Johor state election, Azalina said she believed the campaign machinery of Barisan Nasional had been well organised. She noted that its approach was focused on addressing the priorities and concerns of voters in the state.
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She said the long political experience of the party, as well as initiatives such as the foster family programme, had helped strengthen its campaign efforts, particularly in highlighting local issues.
She expressed hope that these efforts would translate into support for Barisan and see the party retain its mandate in Johor.
"From what I have seen, Barisan's campaigns in the state constituencies appear to be very well organised. We are a political party with a long history, and the way we campaign is largely focused on addressing the priorities of the people in the respective states," she said.
"Secondly, we also have the foster family programme involving states that has also contributed to improvements in our campaigns, particularly in addressing local issues. As such, I hope that this Saturday, the decision will be in favour of the Barisan government," she added.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Saturday (July 11) as polling day for Johor, with nominations having taken place on Saturday (June 27) and early voting held on Tuesday (July 7).
