Barisan Nasional has entered the final phase of candidate selection for the upcoming Johor state election, with party chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirming that the candidate list will remain confidential until one week before nomination day.
Speaking after a congregational assembly at Masjid Sultan Iskandar in Bandar Datuk Onn on Sunday, Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the list of candidates for Johor is now at a very final stage.
“For Johor, we will announce the candidates one week before nomination day,” Zahid said. “We will announce the specific date later. The list is now at a very final stage.”
The briefing was attended by Johor Barisan Nasional chief and Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Zahid declined to clarify whether the lineup would feature a significant number of new faces or rely on incumbent assembly members, stating that such details would only be disclosed upon formal validation.
The announcement comes as the Election Commission has confirmed the electoral calendar for the Johor state contest. Official candidate nominations will open on June 27, followed by early voting on July 7, with general polling scheduled for July 11.
Opposition parties have already begun their campaign preparations. Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has made the initial declaration of candidates, designating incumbent Bukit Batu representative Arthur Chiong Sen Sern to defend the seat.
With less than two weeks until candidate registration closes, political analysts have turned their attention to Barisan Nasional’s internal vetting process. The coalition’s strategy of withholding its candidate list until the last moment is seen as an attempt to maintain a tactical advantage over rival parties.
The Johor state election is widely viewed as a critical test for both the ruling coalition and the opposition, with all major parties intensifying their campaign machinery across the southern state. The secrecy surrounding BN’s candidate selection has fueled speculation about potential changes to the lineup, including the possibility of fresh faces being introduced to appeal to younger voters.
Zahid’s cautious approach reflects the high stakes involved, as BN seeks to defend its position in Johor amid a fragmented political landscape. The coalition faces challenges from Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and newer parties such as Bersama, all of which are vying for influence in the state.
The coming days are expected to see further announcements from other coalitions as they finalise their candidate lists ahead of the June 27 nomination deadline.
Sources: The Vibes, Bernama
