JOHOR BARU: Johor Barisan Nasional is prepared to contest the state election alone, without cooperation with other parties from Perikatan Nasional.

       Datuk Hasni Mohammad (pic) said that Johor Barisan had informed the central leadership of its intention.

       “That is the case (to contest solo) but it is not in our power (to decide).

       “Matters that involve the cooperation of parties in facing the election will be decided by the central leadership.

       “At the state level, we have suggested (to the central leadership) for Barisan to move alone but it depends,” said the caretaker Johor mentri besar.

       Hasni said this to reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the Johor MIC election machinery briefing at Kompleks Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat here on Sunday (Jan 23).

       On Saturday (Jan 22), Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Iskandar assented to the dissolution of the 56-seat state assembly, paving the way for a state election to take place.

       The previous state government was made up of Barisan comprising Umno (14 seats) and MIC (two); Perikatan Nasional consisting of Bersatu (12 including one deceased) and PAS (one); while Pakatan Harapan had 27 seats from DAP (14), PKR (seven) and Amanah (six).

       The Barisan coalition comprises Umno, MCA, MIC and PBRS while the Perikatan coalition comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, STAR and SAPP.