Onn Hafiz, the Johor menteri besar, said the decision was made after taking into account the views and aspirations of the people of Johor, as well as feedback from Umno and BN grassroots leaders in the state.

“The decision to contest all 56 state seats shows that we are prepared to continue forming a stable and strong government dedicated fully to the development of the state and the wellbeing of Bangsa Johor,” he said in a statement.

His announcement is expected to fuel speculation over the political landscape ahead of the next Johor polls, particularly regarding potential cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan, which currently work together at the federal level.

The Johor state assembly will automatically dissolve in April next year if an election is not held before then, after which the polls must be held within 60 days.

BN formed the state government after winning 40 of the 56 seats in the last Johor election in March 2022.

PH won 12 seats while Perikatan Nasional secured three, and Muda one.

Earlier today, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin was reported as saying the Johor state election would be the best platform to test BN’s strength by contesting solo.

He said this was given that the Johor government was not formed as a unity government, but rather as a BN-led administration seeking to defend its existing mandate, reported Harian Metro.

The former health minister said the move would allow the party to assess its strength ahead of the next general election.

Tensions have been rising lately between Johor Umno and PH, with Johor Umno describing PH’s campaign to collect signatures opposing the appointment of five assemblymen in the state as nothing more than a political gimmick.