New Faces Incoming: BN Prepares Major Move for Johor Polls

PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) will introduce several new candidates in the upcoming Johor state election as part of efforts to strengthen leadership renewal within the coalition, says its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president, said the coalition remains committed to its candidate selection principle of identifying individuals who are “winnable, likeable and acceptable”.

“The philosophy of being winnable, likeable and acceptable will continue to be maintained. God willing, we will combine existing office-bearers with new faces,” he told reporters at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s monthly assembly on Thursday (June 4).

He said the inclusion of new candidates would bring fresh leadership talent into Johor’s political landscape while ensuring continuity through experienced incumbents.

“This time, new faces will also colour the landscape of leadership talent in Johor, bringing forward a new generation of leaders,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid said BN is currently in the final stages of preparing its candidate list for all 56 seats in the Johor State Legislative Assembly.

“I will finalise Barisan Nasional’s list of candidates for the 56 state seats as soon as possible, and, God willing, the names will be announced a week before nomination day,” he said.

He added that an early announcement of candidates would allow any issues involving specific constituencies to be addressed before the official campaign period begins.

On election preparations, Ahmad Zahid said BN is strengthening its machinery in Johor while also mobilising support from party workers in other states.

“We are in the process of strengthening our existing machinery and are also mobilising our friends from other states to assist Johor,” he said.

The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Monday (June 1), paving the way for the 16th state election. BN is expected to contest all 56 seats, while the Election Commission has yet to announce the nomination, polling and early voting dates.