JOHOR BAHRU, June 2 — The special Johor state assembly sitting scheduled for June 22 has been cancelled.

The special one-day sitting was cancelled after Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the state assembly yesterday.

Johor state legislative assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi confirmed the matter which had earlier attracted mixed reactions after it was posted on social media.

He briefly told the media that it was cancelled when asked if the sitting would continue.

On May 29, several Johor assemblymen said that they received a notice calling the special one-day state assembly sitting on June 22.

Some questioned the need for the additional sitting, with others saying that it could be an announcement for the dissolution of the state assembly.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the state assembly paving the way for a state election.

The Johor state legislative assembly, which has 56 seats, was scheduled to end its term on April 21 next year.

The previous state election in March 2022 saw BN forming the state government after winning a supermajority of 40 out of 56 contested state constituencies.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) only managed to wrest 12 seats, with DAP securing 10, while PKR and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) won one seat each.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) took three seats, while the youth-centric Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) secured one seat.

JOHOR BAHRU, June 1 — Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) is prepared to face the upcoming state election following the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.

In a joint statement, Johor PH said the coalition had expected that Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) would dissolve the assembly soon to pave way for an election.

“From the start, PH expected BN to dissolve the state assembly in the near future.

“In the spirit of democracy, PH will continue with existing preparations to face this election,” read the statement that was released tonight.

The statement was co-signed by Johor PH chairman and Johor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) chief Aminolhuda Hassan; Johor PKR chief Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa; and Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching.

PH Johor also announced that it will hold discussions at the coalition’s Presidential Council level at the national level to plan its next steps.

“For us, there is no easy election. PH is prepared to make the best effort possible to win this state election,” read the statement.

In a related note, the coalition also criticised the June 22 special one-day state legislative assembly sitting, describing it as illogical.

The notice for the June 22 state legislative assembly sitting was widely expected to announce the dissolution of the Johor state assembly.

Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.

This effectively paves the way for the state’s upcoming election.

KOTA TINGGI, June 2 — Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should consider fielding young and new faces as candidates in the upcoming Johor state election, particularly in constituencies with a high percentage of young voters, Umno Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said.

The move would not only have a positive impact on BN but would also create opportunities for a new generation of leaders to emerge as the party’s future leadership through the state legislative assembly, she added.

“We have to accept the reality that many young people are now voters. Even in my constituency, about 40 per cent 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 today.

She pointed out that the final decision on candidate selection rests entirely with the state BN 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 Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi 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 BN.

“Perhaps with what has happened, such as the Umno 80th Anniversary Celebration at Istana Besar Johor and Johor Darul Ta’zim’s 12th Super League title victory, 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.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly with effect from June 1 after receiving the consent of Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail. — Bernama

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 4 — The Johor state government has spent more than RM66 million to strengthen the state's public health sector over the past four years of its administration.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this allocation was distributed to ensure the welfare and health of approximately four million people in the state continue to be preserved.

He said the state government cannot remain silent and must always prioritise public health issues because they involve the lives of the people.

“If following the old way, the state government would not need to channel more than RM66 million to the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ). However, when it involves the lives of nearly four million Johor citizens, we cannot turn a blind eye and a deaf ear.

“That's why I have never hesitated to get involved in strengthening the JKNJ, and I will continue to pay attention to the public health sector in this state,” he said.

He said this while officiating the state-level Nurses' Day Celebration, in Johor at the Sunway Big Box Hotel here today, which was also attended by the Johor health director Dr. Mohtar Pungut.

Onn Hafiz said the state government will also continue to help find solutions to the issue of healthcare workforce shortages, particularly involving nurses and doctors in Johor.

“In Johor, we know there is a shortage of nurses and doctors. We will work together to find the best methods to ensure these vacancies are filled promptly,” he said.

In the same event, Onn Hafiz also announced the allocation of RM500,000 to nurses in the state as a token of appreciation for their services and sacrifices, in addition to RM100,000 to medical assistants in the state.

He also said this move represents the state's continuous efforts to strengthen appreciation for healthcare workers by increasing allocations to nurses and medical assistants as recognition of their contributions to the healthcare sector.

He added that the allocation to the nurses in the state has shown a continuous increase since 2023, namely RM200,000 in the first year, RM300,000 in the following year and RM400,000 in 2025. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA, June 7 — Caretaker Johor menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has declared he would not remain in office if Barisan Nasional (BN) were to form a state government with DAP.

Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported that the statement was made during the launch of BN’s election machinery in Iskandar Puteri, where he rejected suggestions that support for BN would translate into backing for DAP, describing the claim as “slander”.

“I would rather not hold the position of menteri besar or sit at the same table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, the Bangsa Johor spirit,” he was quoted as saying.

He said that when the state government is reformed with the consent of the Sultan of Johor and the Regent of Johor, and BN is given the mandate to lead again, it would not at any time form a government with DAP.

According to the report, Onn Hafiz, who also chairs Johor BN, said he had been directed by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to seek feedback from divisions before the coalition’s election plan was finalised. 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — The dissolution of the Johor state legislative assembly is timely as the state government is currently in its strongest position, backed by positive public support for the current leadership, says Umno Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

According to Kosmo! Online, Azalina, said the announcement by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi falls within the state government’s rights and discretion.

“Talk about Johor dissolving the assembly has been ongoing for some time; it was only a matter of timing. We even said Melaka should come first before Johor, but now Johor is first,” she said.

“Perhaps with what has happened recently, the 80th Umno anniversary at the Johor Istana Besar, and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winning the Super League title for the 12th consecutive season, I see strong positive support from the people of Johor towards the state leadership.”

She added that the state election process should be conducted with a strong emphasis on democratic principles and calm conduct.

“If possible, we must emphasise the democratic element. There should be no violence or issues arising. From a legal standpoint, we must understand the norms of elections in our system,” she said.

Azalina, who is also minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said candidate selection lies with the political bureau and the state Barisan Nasional leadership, which apply their own evaluation criteria.

However, she stressed that young voters are a key demographic that cannot be ignored, as they now make up a significant portion of the political landscape.

JOHOR BAHRU, June 2 — Official notification of the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was submitted to the Election Commission (EC) today, confirmed Johor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

The notice was submitted to formally inform the EC of the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly, which received the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail on June 1.

The EC had previously announced that it would convene a special meeting to discuss key dates for the Johor state election as soon as it received official notification of the assembly’s dissolution from the Speaker.

The meeting is expected to determine important dates for the state election, including nomination day, the campaign period and polling day.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the state assembly yesterday after receiving the consent of the Johor Regent.

The state election must be held within 60 days from the effective date of the dissolution. — Bernama

JOHOR BAHRU, June 2 — The Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention, scheduled for June 14, may be brought forward, according to its secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman.

He said the possibility arises from recent political developments in the state, particularly following the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

“We may change the date to an earlier one, before June 14,” he said briefly when contacted by Bernama.

Yesterday, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly after obtaining the consent of Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, paving the way for a state election.

Previously, Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor BN chairman, was reported as saying that the convention would serve as a key platform to strengthen the coalition’s resolve and unity, as well as fine-tune the machinery’s preparations for the state election.

BN will contest all 56 state seats in the 16th Johor state election. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has invited Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to join him on a KTM Komuter Selatan journey next week, days after the Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said he would rather give up the state’s top job than sit at the same table with DAP.

The remarks come ahead of the Johor state election, with BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) expected to contest against one another in the state despite being partners in the federal unity government.

Speaking at the launch of PH’s election machinery in Seremban yesterday, Loke said DAP had never regarded anyone as an enemy and remained open to working with different political parties.

“If there are those who say they do not want to sit with DAP, that is fine. We do not force anyone,” said Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, as reported by Sinar Harian.

“But I would like to remind them that DAP is still part of the federal government, and I remain the transport minister.

“I would also like to inform Datuk Onn Hafiz that I will be in Johor Bahru next Tuesday to attend the launch of the KTM Komuter Selatan service.

“I would like to invite him to sit with me on the KTM Komuter Selatan from Kulai to Johor Bahru. Even though he has said he does not want to sit with DAP, that is alright. I am still extending the invitation for him to sit beside me on the train,” he added, according to the national daily.

Loke said DAP had experience working with various political parties, including PAS, for the benefit of the people and the country.

Onn Hafiz had previously said he would rather not become menteri besar than sit at the same table with DAP.

The Johor BN chairman said the position reflected the state’s political landscape, which differed from the situation at the federal level, adding that BN had never governed Johor together with DAP.

Loke also said political leaders should remain patient in managing differences of opinion.

“This is our attitude, this is our spirit. As politicians, our level of patience must be high because it is patience that will bring us victory and success,” he said.

“Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim waited patiently for more than 20 years before becoming Prime Minister.”

Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced yesterday that Johor will head to the polls on July 11, with nomination day set for June 27 and early voting on July 7.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke fired back at Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi after the latter declared he would rather resign than cooperate with DAP in forming the next Johor state government.

The exchange erupted after Onn Hafiz declared during the launch of the party’s election machinery in EduCity, Iskandar Puteri earlier today that “I would rather not hold the position of Menteri Besar than have to sit at the same table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, Bangsa Johor”. 

“You don’t want to sit at the same table with DAP…… Great! Keep up your arrogance,” Loke responded on Facebook, in a post that has since gone viral.

“But your president sits next to the DAP secretary-general every week, right… just so you know… thank you!” he added, in a pointed reminder that at the federal level, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sits alongside DAP leaders in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet.

The war of words underscores the widening gap between federal and state political realities in Johor. 

While DAP and Umno are coalition partners in the unity government, Onn Hafiz has made clear that the arrangement does not extend to Johor.

Onn Hafiz insisted his stance was not driven by racial sentiment, as some have alleged, but rooted in Johor’s unique multiracial identity under the Bangsa Johor concept. 

He also claimed BN Johor has never sat at the same table with DAP, though he acknowledged that a previous menteri besar from Bersatu had done so.

The Johor legislative assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for a state election that must be held within 60 days.

This round, BN is seeking a stronger mandate than its 2022 state election performance and has pledged to contest all 56 seats.

Onn Hafiz, who is caretaker menteri besar, has pledged to continue the Bantuan Kasih Johor assistance scheme if BN retains power.

At the time of dissolution, the division in the legislative assembly had BN holding 40 seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan (12), Perikatan Nasional (three), and Muda (one).

JOHOR BAHRU, June 1 — The Johor state legislative assembly has been dissolved, paving the way for the state’s upcoming election.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution after obtaining the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim earlier today.

He said the move would allow the people of Johor to elect a new state government and secure a mandate to continue the state’s development agenda.

“The Election Commission will ensure the necessary steps to determine the dates for nomination, early voting and polling for the 16th Johor state election,” he said in a brief special media conference held at the Johor Menteri Besar’s official residence in Saujana here today.

Onn Hafiz, who is also the Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and state Umno chief, was accompanied by the state legislative assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

In attendance was also the incumbent ruling assemblyman during the announcement.

The Johor state legislative assembly, which has 56 seats, is scheduled to end its term on April 21 next year. 

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution after obtaining the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim earlier today. — Bernama pic

Under the provisions of the legislation, the EC is given up to 60 days after the dissolution of the state assembly to hold the election.

The previous Johor state election was held in March 2022. At that time, BN, led by its lynchpin party Umno, formed the state government after winning a supermajority of 40 of the 56 contested state assembly seats.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) won 12 seats with DAP obtaining 10 seats, while PKR and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) won one seat each.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) won three seats, while the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) obtained one seat.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi reportedly met today at the launch of the Shuttle Selatan service in Kulai, after days of public exchanges over political cooperation and federal-state ties.

Sinar Harian reported that Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, arrived at the Kulai Railway Station event at 12.45pm, while Onn Hafiz, the Johor Barisan Nasional chairman, arrived about five minutes later.

Also present was Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

This followed Onn Hafiz’s remarks at BN’s machinery launch in Iskandar Puteri on June 7 that he would not work with DAP in the Johor polls.

Onn Hafiz had previously said he would rather give up the menteri besar post than sit at the same table with DAP.

Loke responded by saying DAP did not view anyone as an enemy and remained open to cooperation with other parties.

He later invited Onn Hafiz to join him on the KTM Komuter Selatan journey from Kulai to Johor Baru.

Loke also said a formal invitation letter would be sent to Onn Hafiz, and that the Johor leader would be given a chance to speak at today’s event.

Onn Hafiz later said he was touched to have finally been “invited” by Loke, but claimed he had yet to receive an official letter and that several earlier transport-related visits by Loke in Johor had not involved him or the relevant state executive councillor.

The exchange comes ahead of the Johor state election, where BN and Pakatan Harapan are expected to contest against each other despite remaining partners in the federal unity government, with polling set for July 11 after nomination on June 27 and early voting on July 7.