Johor bahru: Relations between the federal and state governments will remain unaffected even if they are led by different political coalitions, as their respective roles and responsibilities are enshrined in the Federal Constitution, stated UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, emphasized that the Federal Constitution clearly delineates the powers and responsibilities of both the federal and state governments, mandating them to respect and cooperate with one another for the welfare of the people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the UMNO president has reiterated the Federal Constitution's provisions for both federal and state governments to ensure ongoing development and progress of the state and country. Cooperation between these entities is constitutionally mandated. He reassured that whoever forms the federal government must be respected and given necessary cooperation, while the federal government must reciprocate with respect and collaboration towards any state government. "So, the people of Johor need not worry. Even if they elect a state government that is different from the federal government, there will be no problem," he told reporters after attending the Ziarah Kasih programme at Felda Pasak.

Commenting on Barisan Nasional's (BN) prospects in the Johor state election, Mohamed Khaled expressed optimism about securing the mandate to form the state government. He stated, "Insya-Allah, with the people's support, the confidence they have placed in us and our track record, BN will form the government."

BN is contesting all 56 state seats in the 16th Johor state election. In the 2022 Johor state election, the coalition won 40 of the 56 seats contested. A total of 172 candidates are contesting 56 state seats in the 16th Johor state election, with 2,727,926 registered voters set to decide the outcome this Saturday (July 11).