Johor Umno delegate calls for separate state polls to stand on own strength without relying on external forces
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Umno has called for the state election to be held separately from the 16th General Election (GE16), stressing the need for the party to stand firmly on its own strength without relying on external political forces.
Johor Umno delegate Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman said the request was made so that the party could focus on delivering strong governance and restoring confidence among the people of Johor.
Speaking during the debate at the 2025 Umno General Assembly, the Umno Tebrau division chief said Johor’s position was clear and principled, with all strategic decisions left to the wisdom of the party’s top leadership.
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“Whatever the political moves, strategies or calculations for the good of the party, Umno Johor places its trust entirely in the wisdom of the party leadership,” he said.
Abdul Halim stressed that Johor Umno’s priority was to provide excellent service to the people service delivered with sincerity, commitment and extraordinary effort until it could be genuinely felt by the rakyat.
“What matters most to us in Johor is ensuring that Umno stands on its own strength.”
According to Abdul Halim, whether Umno chooses to continue or end its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan, revive old political alliances or form new ones, contest elections solo or as part of any coalition, the fundamental principle must remain the same, Umno must rely on its own strength.
He added that Johor would not attempt to heal its internal wounds by looking outward, nor would it borrow strength or depend on political lifelines from others.
“For that reason, Umno Johor is seeking space and support for the Johor state election to be held separately from the federal election.”
The Johor State Assembly must be dissolved and a new election held by March 2027, unless it is dissolved earlier.
In the same speech, Abdul Halim also issued a warning to certain parties, singling out DAP and Amanah, whom he accused of exploiting political uncertainty for their own gain.
He said that while Johor continued to achieve success, there were parties who felt threatened and were uncomfortable with others’ progress.
“There are those who are too eager to secure seats, too obsessed with demanding positions in government, and those who fan sentiments that divide the harmony of Johor’s multiracial society.”
Abdul Halim warned that any party acting as an obstacle or sabotaging Johor’s development agenda would eventually be left behind.
“Johor will not stop moving forward. Those who choose to stand in the way will be abandoned.”
