UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) are prepared for the possibility of an early Johor state election, with deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan expressing confidence that Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi would advise the Sultan of Johor on dissolving the state legislative assembly at an appropriate time.
Mohamad, widely known as Tok Mat, said the decision ultimately rested with the Johor ruler, Sultan Ibrahim, acting upon the advice of the Menteri Besar, although he did not dismiss the prospect of polls being called sooner rather than later.
“The dissolution of the state assembly is the absolute prerogative of the Sultan, upon the advice of the Menteri Besar. I am confident he will advise His Majesty on the appropriate time for the assembly to be dissolved to enable a state election to be held.
“It could happen in the near future, or it could be later. That depends entirely on His Majesty’s wisdom and discretion,” he told reporters after officiating the SMK Seri Sendayan Athletics Championship in Seremban on Friday.
Despite speculation surrounding a possible state election, Mohamad said the matter had not yet been formally discussed at the highest levels of the party’s central leadership.
He added that once royal consent is obtained, the Menteri Besar is expected to engage the party leadership to coordinate preparations and election machinery.
“I am confident that once the Menteri Besar receives the green light or royal consent, he will consult the central leadership so that we can jointly plan and organise preparations for the election,” he said.
Mohamad also turned his attention to the growing political tensions in Negeri Sembilan, arguing that the most democratic and stable solution to the current impasse would be the dissolution of the state assembly and a return of the mandate to voters.
The Rembau Member of Parliament claimed Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun had effectively lost the confidence of 14 state assemblymen from his own party.
“If Aminuddin no longer commands the confidence of the majority of assemblymen, then the best course is to dissolve the assembly and return the mandate to the people so they can decide who they want to govern Negeri Sembilan again.
“There is no need for continuous political noise and instability because it only creates unease among the people. The world is already unstable with ongoing wars, so we should handle matters properly,” he said.
Mohamad stressed that UMNO’s participation in the Unity Government was intended to ensure national stability and responsible governance rather than contribute to political unrest or public uncertainty.
His remarks are expected to intensify speculation surrounding both Johor’s electoral timeline and the broader stability of several state administrations ahead of the next general election cycle. - May 22, 2026
