PH defers Johor MB post decision as Loke prioritises election victory

PAKATAN Harapan (PH) has postponed any decision on its prospective Johor Menteri Besar, saying the coalition will only determine its nominee after the state election, should it succeed in forming the next state government.

Deputy Chairman Anthony Loke said speculation over the coalition's candidate for the state's highest executive office was premature, stressing that PH's immediate objective was to secure victory across the constituencies it is contesting.

"Our focus now is to ensure that our candidates win the election first.

"Therefore, the issue of the Johor Menteri Besar will be discussed at the highest level of Pakatan Harapan. At this stage, there has been no announcement," Malay Mail cited Loke telling reporters after the announcement of PH's candidates for the Johor Jaya and Tiram state constituencies at the Harapan Community Centre in Plentong on Saturday.

Loke, who is also DAP Secretary-General, was responding to questions on whether PH had identified a "poster boy" or Menteri Besar-designate should the coalition emerge victorious in the Johor state election.

He said DAP's campaign strategy would instead focus on highlighting individual candidates contesting under the party's banner.

"For DAP, every constituency we contest will have its own poster boy or poster girl based on the party's respective candidates standing in those seats,” he said.

Loke's remarks indicate that PH intends to keep the focus firmly on its electoral campaign rather than internal leadership discussions, leaving the question of the next Johor Menteri Besar to be decided only if the coalition secures a governing mandate. - June 20, 2026