JOHOR BAHRU - More than half of the early voters in Johor's 16th state election, comprising security personnel, had cast their ballots by 11 am today.The Election Commission (EC) said in a Facebook post that 56.32 per cent, or 11,605 of the 20,607 early voters, had voted.Of that total, 6,852 of the 12,063 Royal Malaysia Police and General Operations Force personnel and their spouses had cast their ballots, along with 4,753 of the 8,544 Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and their spouses.A total ..

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 ..

SHAH ALAM With only days left before Johor heads to the polls, some voters are still weighing their options, saying issues such as the cost of living, job opportunities and public transport matter more than political slogans and campaign promises.As early voting begins today, interviews with Johoreans suggest that bread-and-butter concerns continue to shape voting decisions, with some first-time voters remaining undecided despite the campaign entering its final stretch.For Adib Azim, 27, a ..

BATU PAHAT Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has stressed that the Johor state election was called to return the mandate to the people and has no connection whatsoever to the issue of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's release.Onn Hafiz said claims linking the state election to the matter were a form of provocation aimed at stirring anger and hatred towards BN.He expressed confidence that Johoreans are mature enough to assess issues wisely and would not be easily swayed by ..

BATU PAHAT Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has maintained that there is no reason for him to take part in the Johor state election dialogue with Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr Maszlee Malik, as they are contesting different state seats.He pointed out that Maszlee is contesting the Puteri Wangsa state seat, while he is defending the Machap seat."I am not contesting against him in Simpang Renggam. He is the one who left Simpang Renggam.""So if he wants to debate or hold a dialogue, ..

BATU PAHAT - Voters in Johor need to give Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates a chance in the state election to enable them to prove that the manifesto launched a few days ago is not just "copy paste" as claimed by the opposing party.Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that if they do not vote for PH candidates in the Johor polls this Saturday, the party will not be able to fulfil all the resolutions contained in the PH manifesto."This manifesto is also from the people, we offer it after ..

PONTIAN - Residents in the Benut state constituency, including those living in the Puteri Menangis area, are calling for an immediate solution to longstanding internet connectivity problems.Retiree Siti Masita Mohamed, 60, described internet access in the area as unsatisfactory, claiming that little progress had been made despite repeated complaints by residents."My daughter is a kindergarten teacher and lives in Kampung Puteri Menangis. Whenever she has work to complete from home, she faces ..

KOTA TINGGI - Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pasir Raja state constituency, Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim is using a so-called hybrid strategy to win over voters with just four days left before polling day for the Johor state election.He said the hybrid approach combined aggressive face-to-face campaigning on the ground with dominance of narratives on social media platforms, a method that proved effective as his machinery successfully completed a 100 per cent tour across all localities in the ..

PASIR GUDANG Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim risks suffering a political blow if Pakatan Harapan (PH) is defeated in the 16th Johor state election, says Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim.Hassan said the Johor election has effectively become a contest between two political commanders.He described PH as fielding Anwar himself as its chief campaigner, while Barisan Nasional (BN) has put Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the forefront of its campaign."Anwar is the Prime Minister ..

TANGKAK Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that support from Chinese voters for the coalition has increased significantly in the Johor state election, giving BN confidence that its MCA and MIC candidates stand a good chance of winning.He said the finding was based on BN's analysis of voter response at every polling district centre and voting stream."We have conducted studies based on voter response at the polling district centres and voting streams."We are ..

SEREMBAN - Former Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin admitted he personally prefers serving as a party machinery member to aid the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign rather than running as a candidate.He said this role allowed him to move around more freely to assist campaigns across various areas, instead of focusing on just one constituency.However, he noted that the decision rested entirely with the party leadership."Any decision regarding candidate selection falls under ..

KULAI - Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Bukit Batu state constituency, Arthur Chiong Sen Sern expressed regret over the actions of irresponsible parties who committed sabotage and treacherous acts against his campaign materials.He revealed that his party flag was thrown into a drain, while several campaign billboards were also torn down in the incident in Kampung Sri Paya which was reported yesterday.Following this, Arthur said a police report had been lodged at the Air Bemban police station ..

SHAH ALAM - Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi should take a page out of Khairy Jamaluddins playbook if he wants to convince voters he is ready for a political fight, according to Pakatan Harapan communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.In a pointed jab at the Barisan Nasional leader, Fahmi said former Umno Youth chief Khairy appeared to be campaigning with far more intensity than Onn Hafiz himself and suggested the Johor Menteri Besar lacked the same willingness to engage opponents ..

KLUANG - On entering the second day of the 16th Johor state election campaign series, Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today spent time mingling with the local community in the 'PMX Santai Sarapan' programme in Simpang Renggam near here.The Prime Minister's arrival at about 8.40am at Warung Pak Din was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from thousands of supporters and PH machinery who had begun flooding the premises as early as 7am.The atmosphere around the premises seemed ..

JOHOR BAHRU The Johor Menteri Besar has been reminded not to focus solely on mega development projects to the point of neglecting the basic problems faced by the people.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the basic amenities needed by the people, including those in villages and Felda settlements, must be given attention and resolved.He said there was no point complaining that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) master plan had been sealed, as the project was proceeding ..

KULAI - Johor's younger electorate is increasingly open to political alternatives, with changing voter demographics reshaping the state's political landscape, says Bukit Batu incumbent Arthur Chiong Sen Sern.Speaking to Sinar Daily, Chiong said more than half of the voters in Bukit Batu are youths, making them a crucial factor in determining the constituency's future."Of course, they are ready for a choice. In Bukit Batu alone, more than half of the voters are youths. They get information from ..

KULAI - Bukit Batu incumbent Arthur Chiong Sen Sern remains confident of defending his seat despite facing a crowded five-cornered battle in the upcoming Johor state election.He said his track record and service to constituents will earn him another mandate.Chiong, who won the seat with a relatively narrow majority in the 2022 state election said he was excited rather than pressured by the challenge ahead."I am feeling very excited to prove that I am good enough for my people. I am very ..

SHAH ALAM Barisan Nasional (BN) is pinning its hopes on a combination of youthful leadership and Johor's economic track record to win over first-time and young voters in the upcoming state election.BN Youth communications director Neow Choo Seong said the coalition's campaign strategy goes beyond traditional grassroots engagements and now places equal emphasis on social media to reach different segments of the electorate."We realise the importance of going to the ground, but at the same time we ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Pakatan Harapan (PH) is contesting the Johor state election to form the next state government, not just to deny BN a two-thirds majority, says Larkin candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.He said PH's poor showing in the 2022 Johor state election was largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly affected voter turnout."We need to look at the difference between the 2022 state election and the federal election held in the same year. During the state election, turnout was only around ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Amanah remains a relevant political force among Malay voters in Johor and continues to enjoy support across racial lines, says the party's vice-president and Larkin candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.Rejecting suggestions that Amanah's influence among Malays has weakened, Suhaizan pointed to the party's strong performance during the 2018 general election as proof of its appeal."In 2018, Amanah won nine seats in Johor as part of Pakatan Harapan. That did not happen by chance. It showed that ..

JOHOR - DAP candidate for Parit Raja Shazwan Dzainal Abidin said the upcoming three-cornered fight in the constituency is expected to be tightly contested, adding that he views both opponents as strong challengers deserving of respect.The contest in Parit Raja sees him facing incumbent Barisan Nasional candidate Nor Rashidah Ramli as well as Perikatan Nasional contender Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee in a three-cornered fight.Asked who he considers his main rival, Shazwan said both are ..

JOHOR Parit Rajas long-standing flood problem remains a major concern for residents, but progress is finally being made through ongoing federal mitigation efforts, says DAP candidate for the seat, Shazwan Dzainal Abidin.He said recurring floods have disrupted daily life in the constituency for years, but allocations provided under the Madani government have enabled mitigation works to move forward.This is actually a long-standing problem in Parit Raja. But under the Madani administration and ..

SEREMBAN DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has reminded businessman Albert Tei to change the address on his identity card first if he intends to contest in the Negeri Sembilan state election.He said that while Malaysia practises democracy and anyone has the right to stand as a candidate, they must still comply with the stipulated requirements."We are a democratic country. Anyone who wants to become a candidate is welcome to do so. That is everyone's right."I just want to remind him to change ..

SEREMBAN Controversial businessman Albert Tei has not ruled out the possibility of contesting in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election, scheduled for Aug 1.Tei, whose real name is Tei Jiaan Cheing, 37, said he is still considering the matter but admitted that his decision is nearly finalised.There is a party that has offered me a chance to contest and I am still in the process of considering it, but it is almost certain.Besides, many of my friends and social media followers are hoping ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Johor is on the right track to emerge as the countrys new economic powerhouse through the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and the growing influx of foreign investments, including data centres worth billions of ringgit.However, amid these prospects, questions remain over whether the development spillover can be enjoyed by all Malaysians or only limited to areas in the southern ..

BATU PAHAT - DAP is confident that its line-up of first-time candidates contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the Johor state election can bring meaningful change to their respective constituencies.DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Johor DAP leadership's decision to field candidates who had never contested an election reflected the party's commitment to giving younger leaders the opportunity to step forward and serve the people.Sim, who is also the ..

JOHOR BAHRU Muda's Puteri Wangsa candidate Rashifa Aljunied says she is ready to face her rival, former education minister Maszlee Malik, in a public debate if one is officially organised, following calls by netizens for a showdown between the two candidates.The proposal gained traction after a post on Threads by Adom Tehh suggested that voters deserved to hear both candidates debate issues affecting the constituency.Rashifa welcomed the idea, saying such a platform should prioritise local ..

KULAI - Rising cost of living, better job opportunities and improved infrastructure are among the key concerns of residents in the Bukit Batu state constituency ahead of the 16th Johor state election.Most residents hope that the elected representative and the state government to be formed after the election will prioritise resolving these issues, which they say have a direct impact on their daily lives.Taman Sri Pulai 1 resident Kelvin Chong, 58, said the state government, particularly the ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Muda candidate for Puteri Wangsa, Rashifa Aljunied, has pushed back against concerns over her age and relative inexperience, insisting that years of grassroots service and a commitment to integrity make her ready to represent the constituency.The young candidate, who is contesting in one of Johor's closely watched seats, said voters should assess candidates based on their track record of service rather than their age."What I'm not enough in age, I will make sure it's enough with ..

KLUANG - A "Work in the City, Live in the Countryside" ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah's vision for Mahkota state constituency, aimed at enabling residents to secure better- paying jobs in Johor's urban and industrial centres while continuing to enjoy a more affordable and sustainable lifestyle.He said the initiative would allow residents to benefit directly from Johor's economic expansion through improved public transport connectivity, ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Party strength alone is no longer an automatic passport to victory in the 16th Johor state election, as voters are increasingly placing greater emphasis on the credibility and personality of individual candidates.The short campaign period also makes every approach adopted by candidates, whether on the ground or through digital platforms, crucial in demonstrating their ability to earn the mandate to serve as elected representatives.Political observers believe that while party ..

MUAR Pas' decision not to field candidates in several non-Malay majority constituencies in Johor was based on its assessment of winnability, not because the party was afraid to face DAP, says Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.He said the selection of constituencies for the Johor state election was determined by voter demographics, the strength of candidates and the potential to secure victory, in line with every party's objective of winning."When we contest, ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Bersama has dismissed claims that its participation in the Johor state election would merely split opposition votes and indirectly benefit Barisan Nasional (BN).Tiram candidate Dr Harith Fakhrudin Abdul Maleksaid it wastoo early to make such assumptions before voters head to the polls.He saidthe newly formed party was offering a completely different political approach compared to established parties."I think it's quite premature to assume that at this moment. We have to wait until ..

JOHOR BAHRU - A desire to be part of a different kind of politics, one that empowers ordinary Malaysians rather than political elites, was what drove doctor-turned-businessman Dr Harith Fakhrudin Abdul Malek to join the newly formed party Bersama.The Tiram candidate said he was attracted by the party's promise of creating a fresh political culture and a party structure that allows ordinary people to participate meaningfully in politics."I came into this because of what Bersama promised me. The ..

BATU PAHAT - The 16th Johor state election provides the best platform for the people to demonstrate democratic maturity by aligning the state and federal administrations.Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof said Johor's current political landscape is unique as Pakatan Harapan (PH) serves as the check and balance to the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led state government.At the same time, however, PH and BN are strategic partners in the federal government, he said.He ..

BATU PAHAT - Pakatan Harapan's (PH) participation in the Johor state election is aimed at offering a more sustainable development agenda, rather than disrupting the state's existing harmony, said PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.He said Johor is a state with immense potential, but its administration needs to be improved to ensure development is not concentrated in only certain districts.Amirudin, who is also the Selangor Menteri Besar, said development in Johor is currently uneven, ..

SHAH ALAM - Barisan Nasional (BN) enters the final stretch of the Johor state election campaign as the frontrunner, but the race remains highly competitive, with 31 constituencies still too close to call and nearly one in three voters yet to firmly decide their choice.According to Vodus Researchs latest Johor 2026 State Election Forecast, BN is projected to secure 36 per cent of the likely vote, ahead of Pakatan Harapan (PH) at 26 per cent and Perikatan Nasional (PN) at 15 per cent.However, ..

JOHOR BAHRU - Long-standing traffic congestion and security concerns in residential areas have emerged as the top issues affecting voters in Tiram, according to Bersama candidate Dr Harith Fakhrudin Abdul Malek.After spending several days on the ground meeting residents, Harith said the same complaints were repeatedly raised by constituents.From my conversations with the people, I can make a general conclusion that the biggest issues here are traffic and security near residential areas.These ..

MUAR - Malaysia is grappling with both corruption and political problems due to a lack of political will to implement meaningful reforms, according to Muda's Simpang Jeram candidate, Ainie Haziqah.The lawyer-turned-politician said entrenched political interests and persistent corruption continue to hinder efforts to introduce institutional reforms and better governance."Definitely both, because we are lacking the political will to make changes. When I'm talking about corruption, that's one of ..

MUAR - Muda candidate Ainie Haziqah has pledged to become the 'biggest and loudest voice' for Simpang Jeram if elected, saying the constituency needs a representative who genuinely speaks up for local concerns regardless of whether they sit on the government or opposition bench.The 36-year-old lawyer, who is also the only female candidate contesting the seat, said her campaign is centred on ensuring that issues affecting residents in Simpang Jeram receive national attention.Ainie argued that an ..