Independent Malaysian news, politics and national affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has congratulated Onn Hafiz Ghazi on becoming Johor's new Menteri Besar, describing the appointment as a mandate to advance the state's development and stability.
Johor will install its new Menteri Besar in a ceremony at the royal palace this afternoon, following Barisan Nasional's decisive 48-seat victory in yesterday's state election.
A former DAP politician has alleged that Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional have reached an unspoken understanding to establish a joint state administration in Johor, potentially steering the state toward more conservative governance.
Malaysia's Gerakan party has suspended its Johor state chapter after the regional branch unilaterally decided to withdraw from state elections without consulting party headquarters, drawing criticism from party leadership.
The Tangkak state constituency will contest between Barisan Nasional candidate How Chin Teck and Pakatan Harapan incumbent Ee Chin Li in Johor's July 11 state election, setting up a direct two-way battle.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3d3tog)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3d3top)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EOnn%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Johor's Barisan Nasional chief Onn Hafiz filed his candidacy for the Machap seat while flanked by senior Umno figures including Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, signalling consolidated party backing.
Parti Bersama Malaysia has unveiled 15 candidates to contest the 16th Johor state election, marking the party's growing engagement in peninsular electoral politics.
Umno's information chief has cautioned against premature discussion of coalition arrangements in Johor, insisting that any talks about forming a unity government must remain on hold until voters deliver their verdict at the ballot box.
Umno vice-president Johari Ghani has expressed confidence that Barisan Nasional can retain Kota Iskandar and reclaim lost seats in Iskandar Puteri through coordinated party operations and strengthened grassroots mobilization.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied reports suggesting caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi was blocked from a Felda settlements event, dismissing claims of political interference.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3lycag)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3lycap)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22272%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EJohor%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Johor's Barisan Nasional coalition has outlined an election platform centred on job creation, housing affordability and educational investment, targeting the state's working-age population and families.
Malaysian police have received a report concerning claims that allegedly connect the Johor royal palace to decisions surrounding the state assembly's dissolution, raising questions about palace involvement in political processes.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph13c04g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph13c04p)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EPAS%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
PAS has signalled its intention to move past protracted seat distribution disputes with coalition partners Umno and Parti Wawasan in Johor, suggesting the party wants to focus on electoral preparations rather than internal wrangling.
A senior UMNO figure has rejected claims that Johor's Regent controls the state government, describing such allegations as exaggerated and unfounded amid upcoming state elections.
Abdul Mutalip Abd Rahim, 56, a former Layang-Layang assemblyman, has left Umno to join Bersatu, continuing a pattern of political movement among Johor politicians seeking new party alignments.
Former Rengit assemblyman Puad has defended his decision to recommend his son as a candidate for Johor's elections, while challenging the party's selection process for potential favouritism.
Johor PKR has publicly challenged former Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi to substantiate his claims of alleged royal interference in the state's political affairs.
Johor's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition has firmly rejected allegations by former legislative assembly speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi that connected the palace to political decisions, labelling the claims as baseless and irresponsible. An Umno Youth leader claims hundreds have lodged police reports.
Senior Umno figures in Johor have strongly denied accusations made by former legislative assembly speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi concerning the state assembly's dissolution on June 1, characterising the remarks as defamatory.
Several Johor Barisan Nasional members have filed police reports against former Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi following his allegations concerning the Johor palace's role in state politics.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph47zizg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph47zizp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EOnn%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has firmly rejected suggestions that obtaining royal consent for political decisions amounts to royal instruction, describing the practice as a standard constitutional mechanism.
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz has rejected claims that the palace ordered the state assembly dissolution, insisting the process strictly adhered to constitutional requirements and royal consent procedures.
Johor's caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz has defended the state assembly dissolution, emphasising it was a constitutional process rather than an instance of royal interference in political affairs.
Caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has firmly rejected allegations that he claimed the palace ordered the dissolution of the state assembly, distancing himself from statements attributed to him by Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
Johor Barisan Nasional is fielding a blend of newcomers and experienced campaigners in the upcoming state election, positioning party youth wings and divisional networks as cornerstones of its electoral strategy.
Former Johor menteri besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad has been excluded from Johor Barisan Nasional's candidate lineup for the state election, raising questions about his political future and possible parliamentary ambitions.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2mjpgg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2mjpgp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22272%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EZahid%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly rejected suggestions that he instructed officials to restrict the Johor Menteri Besar's involvement with Felda affairs, seeking to defuse mounting political tensions.
Johor's caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has alleged he was denied entry to a Felda settlement to conduct a land title presentation ceremony, raising questions about access restrictions during the interim administration period.
Kulai Barisan Nasional questions whether substantial federal allocations announced for Johor have translated into completed projects and tangible benefits for the public.
Perikatan Nasional coalition partners have finalised seat allocations for over 50% of Johor state constituencies, with negotiations accelerating ahead of anticipated state elections, Tan Sri Annuar Musa confirms.
Johor has nearly completed resolution of a decades-old land title dispute affecting FELDA settlers, with 99.99 per cent of applications processed. The achievement underscores the state's commitment to rural welfare.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Pakatan Harapan's Johor division to concentrate on productive campaign work while steering clear of public disagreements with fellow federal government allies.
Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has pledged to direct RM115,000 earned from a new part-time role towards his constituency's development initiatives and community projects.
Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has attacked what he describes as 'Hollywood' style politics, criticising populist figures who prioritise social media theatrics. His comments are widely seen as targeting Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the Federal government returned RM16 billion to Johor through development projects and allocations, exceeding the state's RM14 billion revenue contribution over three years.
Johor's caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has reframed royal advice as a performance benchmark, signalling the state administration will use such counsel to drive improvement rather than become complacent.
The Madani Government allocates federal funds to Johor and other states in strict accordance with the Federal Constitution and legal frameworks, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim confirmed.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim clarifies that federal financial allocations to states, including Johor, are governed by the Federal Constitution and existing legal mechanisms.
PKR vice-president Zaliha Zhamari has expressed bewilderment at Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi's request for Pakatan Harapan to declare its menteri besar candidate ahead of state elections.
Johor Amanah has agreed to withdraw from contesting the Puteri Wangsa parliamentary seat, ceding the constituency to PKR following strategic discussions between the two Pakatan Harapan allies.
Johor's regent has rejected the prime minister's assertion that the state suffers from significant revenue leakages, instead contending that the federal government is responsible for inadequate return of the state's earnings.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph21vfpg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph21vfpp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EPAS%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
PAS and Bersatu confront significant political obstacles in Johor, constrained by mutual antagonism and dwindling partnership prospects with small allied movements.
PKR's Zaliha Mustafa has challenged Johor BN chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi over what she calls contradictory demands regarding Pakatan Harapan's timing for announcing its menteri besar candidate ahead of the state election.
PKR vice-president Zaliha has questioned Johor Barisan Nasional chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi's request for Pakatan Harapan to identify a poster boy for state elections, citing uncertainty over actual leadership appointments.
Pakatan Harapan has assured Johor voters it will uphold the Sultan's constitutional right to appoint the Menteri Besar, declining to pre-announce a candidate and prioritising policy platforms instead.
PKR has finalised its candidate lists for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, contesting 20 seats in Johor and 16 in Negeri Sembilan. An official announcement is imminent, with polling scheduled for July 11 and August 1 respectively.
Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching has described her experience campaigning for Barisan Nasional candidates in the 2024 Mahkota by-election as unusual, undertaken to showcase her party's genuine commitment to cross-coalition collaboration.
Johor's Barisan Nasional coalition is poised to complete its candidate selection process within the coming week, according to state chairman Onn Hafiz, advancing preparations ahead of the upcoming state election.
Johor's caretaker Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has categorically rejected any possibility of Barisan Nasional cooperating with DAP to form a state government, emphasizing that ideological principles are non-negotiable.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23phxll0g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23phxll0p)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22272%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EUnity%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Johor's BN leadership has appealed to disappointed party members who missed out on candidacy to channel their energy into supporting the coalition's electoral campaign. The move reflects efforts to maintain internal cohesion before the July 11 state election.
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Onn has stressed that securing the menteri besar position requires royal consent, suggesting that political prominence and party support alone do not guarantee the role.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5ol2qg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5ol2qp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22194%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EBarisan%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Barisan Nasional is poised to wrap up internal discussions on how to distribute parliamentary and state seats across Johor and Negeri Sembilan within days, according to the coalition's lead party.
A political analyst has cautioned Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz against invoking the royal institution when responding to political opponents, urging him instead to rely on his governance record.
DAP Johor is demanding that the state government justify its decision to scrap the established Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit project in favour of the new Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system, raising accountability questions.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2xdkag)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2xdkap)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3ELoke%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz have held a private meeting in Kulai to smooth over tensions that emerged during their public disagreement regarding Johor's electoral strategy.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz met for the first time since their online dispute, keeping the encounter professional despite underlying tensions between the DAP and Johor state leadership.
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz has pushed back against the Prime Minister's assertion that his administration has been uncooperative, instead highlighting the state's collaborative efforts with Putrajaya across various initiatives.
Johor's caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has robustly defended his state administration against insinuations it lacks willingness to partner with the federal government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Johor's PAS leadership has signalled readiness to compete in forthcoming state elections without Bersatu backing, confident in the party's ability to maintain and expand its electoral foothold in the southern state.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3a58eg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3a58ep)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EOnn%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Johor's caretaker Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz has strongly rejected Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's claim that Barisan Nasional's solo campaign strategy reflects arrogance, arguing the coalition's strength in the state justifies independent electoral positioning.
Bersatu's president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has signalled the party's readiness to directly contest against Pas in Johor constituencies should electoral seat negotiations result in overlapping candidacies.