MIPP president P Punithan said the decision was mutually agreed upon by PN’s top leadership, including component party chiefs from PAS, Bersatu and Gerakan, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Punithan, who is also PN deputy chairman, said the four seats have been identified as winnable areas that will help the coalition form the next state government.

“PN will contest all 56 seats in Johor, and MIPP will contest four. That is the collective decision that has been made, though discussions are still ongoing,” he was quoted as saying.

The state election will be MIPP’s first since it was officially accepted as a member of the PN coalition in April 2024.

Punithan claimed that roughly 45%-50% of the Indian community in Johor supports PN, adding that this support will translate into votes.

He also warned Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional against being overconfident of securing a comfortable victory.

“PN is focused on capturing Johor,” he said.

Punithan added that MIPP will also contest two seats in Melaka and three in Negeri Sembilan in the respective state polls.

He said the party is actively vetting potential candidates, with a clear focus on fielding young professionals to champion the Indian community’s voice.