JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 — The decision by Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan in Johor to each contest all 56 seats in the next state election will not affect cooperation at the Federal government level, said Harapan communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The stance expressed by Johor BN and Harapan was made at the state level and does not impact the existing cooperative relationship.
“I believe we will wait and listen to the views of the top leadership at the Harapan level this afternoon,” he said during a press conference in conjunction with the Harapan Convention 2026 at the Persada International Convention Centre today.
When asked whether there were efforts or indications that BN might seek negotiations with Harapan, Fahmi did not rule out the possibility.
“Maybe, maybe, yes,” he said briefly.
Yesterday, Johor Menteri Besar cum state BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the decision to contest all state seats, followed by Johor Harapan chief Aminolhuda Hassan, who made a similar announcement when speaking at the convention today.
In another development, Fahmi, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief, said Harapan is prepared to face any possibility, including a special State Legislative Assembly sitting reportedly scheduled for June 24.
Commenting on the convention, he said it had proceeded smoothly, with attendance from members, delegates, and leaders so far estimated at exceeding 8,000, surpassing the target of 5,000.
This afternoon, Prime Minister cum Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver the keynote address and officiate at the Harapan Convention 2026, themed 'Tekad MADANI, Harapan Rakyat' (MADANI Resolve, People’s Hope).
Among the leaders expected to speak are DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Parti Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
