SHAH ALAM: Perikatan Nasional will contest all 56 state seats in the upcoming Johor election, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“So far today, yes,” said the coalition chairman when asked if Perikatan would contest all 56 seats.
Muhyiddin was speaking to reporters before a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia meeting in Shah Alam on Tuesday (Jan 25) night.
“Perikatan hasn’t officially met. But that is the stand of our component party’s leadership,” he said.
He also said Perikatan is always open to considering cooperation with any party that shares the same struggles and principles.
“But so far, there isn’t any (cooperation) yet,” added Muhyiddin.
He also hinted that more young candidates might be fielded in the upcoming election.
“It is the youth’s generation now, but no party will field youths only and sideline veterans.
“Nothing is finalised and we should pay attention to that before the candidate list is tabled,” he added.
Prior to the dissolution of the state assembly on Saturday (Jan 22) evening, the state government led by Barisan has a simple majority of 28 (Barisan 16, Bersatu 11, PAS’ one) compared to Pakatan’s 27 following the death of Bersatu Kempas assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian last month.
Johor Umno chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad has said that the state Barisan chapter has informed the central leadership of its intentions to contest alone in the state election without cooperation with Perikatan parties.
The EC will have a special meeting on Feb 9 to decide on key dates and matters on the 15th Johor state election, namely polling day and nomination day.