Johor heads to the polls as the state assembly is dissolved, paving the way for a state election with the menteri besar announcing it.
PETALING JAYA: The Johor State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved with effect from today, paving the way for the state’s 16th election.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution during a special press conference at his official residence, following an audience with His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, the Regent of Johor.
“With the consent of His Royal Highness the Regent of Johor, the instrument of dissolution of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly has been approved and takes effect on June 1,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said the move was made in accordance with Article 23, Part II of the Johor State Constitution 1895, adding that it paves the way for the democratic process to take place through a state election, subject to the Election Commission (EC).
“The dissolution is made to pave the way for the democratic process through the Johor state election, subject to the official determination of the EC.
“This decision was made with the intention of ensuring that the people of Johor continue to have a stable and strong government.
“I call on all political parties, leaders and supporters to approach this democratic process with courtesy, decorum and wisdom. Let us all work together to preserve the harmony and unity of the people of Johor,” he said.
The dissolution comes amid weeks of political speculation over the timing of the state polls, with the assembly originally set to expire automatically on April 21, 2027, if not dissolved earlier.
Under electoral law, the Election Commission (EC) has up to 60 days from the date of dissolution to conduct a state election, meaning Johor voters are expected to head to the polls by end-July at the latest.
Attention is now focused on the EC, which is expected to convene a special meeting to announce key election dates, including nomination day, early voting and polling day.
The upcoming contest will be Johor’s first state election since Barisan Nasional’s (BN) landslide victory in March 2022.
In that election, BN secured a commanding two-thirds majority after winning 40 of the 56 seats, enabling it to form the state government with a strong mandate.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) won 12 seats, with DAP taking 10, while PKR and Amanah secured one seat each. Perikatan Nasional (PN) won three seats, and Muda secured one.
Last month, BN confirmed it will contest all 56 seats in the upcoming state election, effectively going solo in Johor.
PH and PN have also indicated they will contest all seats, setting the stage for a multi-cornered battle across the state.
Johor is expected to be the first major electoral test ahead of the 16th General Election, which must be held by February 2028.
