JOHOR Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has announced the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly, effective today, setting the stage for a fresh state election.
The move triggers the next political contest in one of Malaysia’s key states, with parties now gearing up for what could be a closely watched race.
Onn said the decision was made with the consent of the Johor Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, effectively ending weeks of speculation over whether the state would go to the polls ahead of schedule.
The announcement was made at the menteri besar's official residence in Saujana.
The move comes despite the assembly’s term only expiring in April next year.
In recent weeks, political chatter had intensified, with leaders openly positioning themselves and signalling potential battleground seats.
Barisan Nasional currently holds a dominant position in the state after securing 40 out of 56 seats in the 2022 election.
Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, while Perikatan Nasional and Muda claimed three and one seat, respectively.
As the election looms, Barisan Nasional has indicated it may go solo — a decision that has unsettled its unity government partner, Pakatan Harapan, which views the move as a break from the spirit of federal cooperation.
Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said he will engage Barisan Nasional president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in discussions, in hopes of reaching a more coordinated understanding ahead of the polls. - June 1, 2026
