PH Ready To Fight All State Seats In Johor, Negeri Sembilan If Challenged By BN - Anwar

JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 (Bernama) -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) is ready to field candidates in all State Legislative Assembly constituencies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan if UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) decide to contest all seats in the upcoming state elections.

PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was not surprised by the development and stressed that the coalition would give a firm response to any action that tries to sever ties within the Unity Government.

“Today PH has decided to respond firmly. If this is their (UMNO) choice, PH will contest in all constituencies in Johor, in Negeri Sembilan, all constituencies. And we are monitoring everything,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the Prime Minister, said this when delivering his message at the culmination of the PH 2026 Convention at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, here today.

In addition, Anwar also hinted at the possibility of the 16th general election (GE16) being held earlier if the crisis in relations between parties in the government continues to escalate to the point of threatening political stability.

"If this is how we are compartmentalizing and rupturing relations within the government, is it possible that we will choose to hold a nationwide general election? But let us decide together," he said.

Although the relationship between the leadership of the Unity Government at the central level is still harmonious, Anwar said he would call the top leadership of PH soon to discuss the readiness of the machinery to face any eventuality.

He however stressed that the door to negotiations is still open if all parties prioritise national stability over narrow political interests.

Yesterday, Johor Menteri Besar who is also the state BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the decision to contest all state assembly seats in the state election which is expected to be held in the near future.

-- BERNAMA