PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has strengthened its campaign for the Johor state election by unveiling a slate that combines seasoned political figures, former elected representatives and first-time candidates, as its component parties seek to expand the coalition's presence ahead of polling on July 11.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) announced 16 candidates, with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin saying every nominee had undergone rigorous screening and was selected based on electability.
"We have many potential candidates and carried out various screening processes, including checks with the Insolvency Department and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), before finalising their names," he said at the party's candidate announcement in Pagoh.
Among the most notable selections are former Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Datuk Rashid Hasnon, who will contest Senggarang in a rematch against PKR's Onn Abu Bakar after the pair previously faced each other in the Batu Pahat parliamentary contest during the 15th General Election.
Bersatu also fielded former Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal to defend Bukit Kepong, while former UMNO assemblyman Abdul Mutalip Abd Rahim, who recently left the party, will contest Layang-Layang under the PN banner.
The party also attracted attention by nominating father-and-son duo Rasman Ithnain and Mohamad Alias Rasman, who will contest Sedili and Panti respectively.
The remaining Bersatu candidates are Fairulnizar Rahmat (Penawar), Aisah Esa (Johor Lama), Lim Chin Eng (Stulang), Muhamad Amerul Muhamad (Tenggaroh), Sye Mohamad Syed Alwi (Rengit), Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee (Parit Raja), Muhammad Syafiq Aziz (Semarang), Mohd Radzi Amin (Bukit Naning), Mahfidz Omar (Serom), Uzzair Ismail (Kemelah) and Mohd Idzharruddin Mohd Nasirruddin (Bukit Pasir).
PAS, meanwhile, introduced 11 candidates, nine of whom are new faces, reflecting the party's strategy of refreshing its representation while retaining selected experienced campaigners.
Among its candidates is former UMNO assemblyman for Puteri Wangsa Mazlan Bujang, alongside Saifullah Abdul Wahab (Jementah), Arshed Yahya (Simpang Jeram), Mohamad Anuar Hayan (Maharani), Muhammad Amin Saillan @ Sazali (Sungai Balang), Ahmad Rosdi Bahari (Sri Medan), Mazlan (Kahang), Hasnul Hakimi Hussien (Endau), Yuhanita Yunan (Pasir Raja), Khirul-Muntanazar Ismail (Tiram), Normala Sudirman (Tenang) and Halim @ Othman Kepol (Semerah).
PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the candidates were chosen after careful consideration of local political dynamics and constituency strengths.
"There are candidates who have contested previously but are standing in different constituencies in this state election," he said.
"PAS decided to contest these 11 seats after considering the suitability and electoral potential of each constituency, which differs from the political landscape four or five years ago."
"PAS will campaign using the PN logo, and Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) will do likewise," he added.
Separately, the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) confirmed it will contest five state seats under the PN banner, marking the party's first participation in an election since its establishment.
Party president P. Punithan described the move as a milestone in MIPP's political development.
"For the first time in history, MIPP will contest an election and we will do so under Perikatan Nasional (PN)."
"This is an important step for MIPP. It reflects the party's growth and demonstrates that PN's leadership has confidence in our ability to work together in bringing Johor towards a better future," he said during the party's candidate announcement.
Punithan said MIPP's candidates had been selected based on merit and public service credentials.
MIPP will contest Bukit Permai with M. Lina Manoh, Paloh with DS Jeevakumar, Kota Iskandar with S. Anna Pravina, Pemanis with Dr A. Arvind and Permas with T. Vela. The five candidates are aged between 27 and 41. - June 26, 2026
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