Johor: Barisan Nasional (BN) hopes to secure PAS' support not only in constituencies where the party is not contesting, but also in the 16 state seats being contested by Bersatu candidates in the upcoming 16th Johor state election. UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said BN appreciated PAS' directive instructing its members and supporters to back BN in seats where PAS is not fielding candidates, although full cooperation has yet to materialise as PAS is contesting 11 state seats.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad stated that the current cooperation between BN and PAS is not complete. However, he highlighted PAS' directive to support BN in non-contested areas as a positive step. Ahmad expressed hope that PAS supporters would also extend their support to BN in the 16 state seats being contested by Bersatu, given Perikatan Nasional's (PN) perceived weakening position.

Addressing concerns about covert cooperation between BN and PAS, Ahmad clarified that the relationship between governments differs from that between political parties. He emphasized that the BN-led Johor government has consistently aligned with the federal government, a stance they plan to maintain if they secure a mandate in the state election.

Ahmad highlighted the presence of several Johor leaders in the federal government as a testament to this alignment, mentioning figures like Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He pointed out that UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi serves as the primary bridge to the federal government in his role as Deputy Prime Minister.

Expressing confidence in BN's prospects for the Johor state election, Ahmad revealed that the coalition aims to win more than 40 of the 56 state seats. His optimism is based on campaign observations across numerous constituencies in Johor.

The return of notable figures such as Khairy Jamaluddin, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, and Tan Sri Noh Omar to Rumah Bangsa during nomination day was also noted by Ahmad. He expressed appreciation for their support, believing it would bolster BN's campaign efforts.