Zahid says Johor BN candidate list under review, Onn Hafiz remains ‘poster boy’
KUALA TERENGGANU, June 2 — Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has submitted the coalition’s proposed candidates for the upcoming state election, with the list now being assessed, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
The Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman said the lineup submitted by the Menteri Besar would be finalised after consultations with leaders of BN’s component parties.
“The candidates are still being assessed. At the same time, we must also respect the candidates put forward by BN’s other component parties,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Economic Convention (KEUB) 2026 at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort here.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, confirmed that Onn Hafiz would remain BN’s poster boy for the election.
He said BN 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 BN’s administration would resonate with voters and strengthen public support for the coalition.
Addressing perceptions surrounding BN’s relationship with Pakatan Harapan (PH) following the decision to contest separately, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that the Johor government was formed by BN before the establishment of the Unity Government at the federal level.
“The Johor government is a BN government, not a Unity Government. Johor BN has opened the door for friendly contests across all 56 state seats,” he said.
Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative 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 will field candidates in all 56 state constituencies.
In the 2022 Johor state election, BN secured a commanding victory by winning 40 of the 56 seats contested, while PH won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional three and Muda one.
