Barisan Nasional (BN) declared it will contest all 56 seats in the upcoming Johor state election independently, without electoral cooperation with PAS or Parti Wawasan Negara, a move confirmed on nomination day June 27, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The polling date for Johor's election is set for July 11, 2026 [1, 2].
BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized party unity amid recent resignations. He urged members disappointed by candidate selections to support the election campaign fully, stating, "What is important is that we give our full support to all 56 Barisan Nasional candidates contesting in the Johor state election" [1, 5]. Zahid acknowledged that two Umno leaders recently left the party: former Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi resigned with immediate effect, while Layang-Layang assemblyman Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim quit Umno and joined Bersatu [1, 2]. Zahid said of Puad Zarkashi, "He has already left, so there is no need for any specific action. He has chosen not to remain with Umno. We appreciate all that he has contributed to Umno over the years, and I wish Mohd Puad all the best" [1].
Zahid also assured voters that if BN receives the Johor state election mandate, the Johor government will cooperate closely with the federal government for the people's benefit. "I assure you that if the mandate is given again, the government in Johor led by our friend will continue to work together with the central government for the benefit of the entire Johor people, God willing," he said [6].
Despite earlier suggestions on June 8 by PAS deputy president about talks on cooperation with Umno through internal committees, Zahid rejected claims of senior-level electoral cooperation discussions between BN, PAS, and Parti Wawasan Negara. He said, "I have not heard anything about that... It may have been discussions held at the grassroots level" and emphasized that BN is contesting alone [3, 4]. PAS also instructed its machinery not to support Bersatu candidates in Johor, signaling continuing tensions within opposition coalitions [4].
Recent resignations and internal candidate selection grievances have tested BN’s unity. Zahid noted, "There are still reports from several areas that some are disappointed because they were not selected as candidates or were not retained, but that is all part of one's fate. We all know that there was no interference from any party. I entrusted the decision entirely to the Menteri Besar and the divisional leadership to determine the candidates" [5].
Nomination day was held on June 27, 2026, marking the final candidate list ahead of the July 11 polling date [1, 2].
