Zaliha, the Johor PKR chief, said PH was not surprised by Johor BN’s decision to go solo. “It was something we predicted,” she said.

“PH is prepared to fight, and our coalition remains firm and steady for a three-cornered fight,” she told FMT. Johor PKR Youth chief Faezuddin Puad said the party took note of BN’s decision and vowed to go all out. “Let the people decide,” he said.

The Johor BN’s decision on the election was announced earlier today by state BN chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

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 March 2022 election. PH won 12 seats while Perikatan Nasional secured three, and Muda one.

FMT has sought comments from Johor Amanah chief Aminolhuda Hassan and Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching on BN’s announcement.