MALAYSIA'S governing coalition partners shifted from Cabinet colleagues to electoral rivals on Tuesday as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launched separate campaigns to win the support of security personnel participating in early voting for the 16th Johor State Election.
The competing appeals reflect one of the defining features of Malaysia's current political landscape. While Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) jointly form the Federal Government, both coalitions are contesting the Johor election independently, placing the country's two most senior leaders on opposing sides of a closely watched state contest.
Their messages coincided with the start of early voting involving 24,751 eligible voters comprising 12,041 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and their spouses, together with 12,710 members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the General Operations Force (PGA) and their spouses.
Voting is taking place at 64 designated polling centres ahead of Saturday's statewide election, when approximately 2.7 million registered voters will elect representatives to Johor's 56-seat State Legislative Assembly.
Writing on Facebook in his capacity as Pakatan Harapan chairman, Anwar urged early voters to back his coalition, portraying the election as an opportunity to shape Johor's future.
"Happy voting to all early voters in the Johor State Election. Do your best for this state.
"Choose Pakatan Harapan's candidates. Johor Forward. Vote for Harapan," Anwar said.
Zahid, meanwhile, addressed the same group of voters in his role as Barisan Nasional chairman, urging security personnel to carry out their democratic responsibility conscientiously while emphasising stability, development and the future of Johor.
"May the entire early voting process proceed smoothly, peacefully and with Allah SWT's blessings and ease. God willing," Zahid said, while also urging security personnel to fulfil their responsibility with integrity and make the best choice for the stability, development and future of Johor.
Polling centres opened simultaneously at 8am, with 53 designated for police personnel and 11 serving military voters. Voting will conclude in stages between noon and 6pm, depending on location and the number of registered electors.
The early vote is being closely watched because ballots cast by military and police personnel have historically carried significant influence in several marginal constituencies, making the security vote an important battleground for the competing political blocs.
The Johor election has attracted 172 candidates contesting all 56 State Legislative Assembly seats.
Both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are fielding candidates in every constituency, while Perikatan Nasional is contesting 33 seats. Parti Bersama Malaysia has nominated 15 candidates, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) four, Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI) and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) one each, alongside six independent candidates.
Within Pakatan Harapan's statewide campaign, Parti Keadilan Rakyat is contesting 20 seats, Amanah 19 and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) 17 as the coalition seeks to strengthen its position against Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional and other challengers in one of Malaysia's most politically significant state elections. - July 7, 2026
