Johor bahru: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed claims that the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly on June 1 was a 'political drama'. He emphasized that the action aimed to return the mandate to the people, allowing them to choose a stable government, rather than clinging to power for personal gain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid explained that dissolving the state assembly is an inevitable process within a democracy. He highlighted that similar actions were taken by other states, including Negeri Sembilan, demonstrating that it was not a unilateral political move. "The people of Johor are the highest judges in a democracy. They have the right to determine the government they want," he stated during the Launching Ceremony of the BN Machinery for the 16th Johor State Election.

The event was attended by key political figures, including Johor BN Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC President Tan Sri Dr SA Vigneswaran, and People's Progressive Party (PPP) President Datuk Dr J Loga Bala Mohan. The dissolution of the Johor DUN was authorized by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.

Ahmad Zahid also criticized the opposition for previous statements suggesting that UMNO and BN were losing influence in Johor. He pointed out the challenges faced by those who had aimed to replace BN, noting their current struggles. He emphasized that Johor should not be used as a testing ground for opportunistic politics and remarked that parties formed out of betrayal should not lecture on principles.