UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has welcomed a reported directive by PAS instructing its members and supporters to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in Johor state seats not contested by Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming 16th Johor State Election.
Describing the move as a positive development, he said it marked an encouraging step towards political understanding beginning in Johor and potentially extending to other states.
“Thank you, PAS. God willing, we will start in Johor and continue in other states,” Sinar Harian cited him saying in a social media post on Sunday.
PAS was reported to have issued the instruction through its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who said the party believed its members understood the importance of unity, adding that PN remained a platform for such cooperation.
Tuan Ibrahim reportedly said the decision reflected the broader principle of unity among the Malay-Muslim political bloc, particularly in constituencies where PAS would not be fielding candidates against BN.
Separately, PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the reduction in the number of seats contested by PAS in the Johor election — down to 11 from 15 previously — was not an issue, describing it as part of a strategic adjustment based on current political considerations.
He said the decision was made in line with the coalition’s overall strategy ahead of the state election and should not be viewed as a setback for the party. - June 28, 2026
