Why Johor Matters: UMNO's Birthplace and the King's Home State
Johor carries outsized weight in Malaysian politics. Here is why the state matters so much — from UMNO's founding to its current royal prominence.
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Johor carries outsized weight in Malaysian politics. Here is why the state matters so much — from UMNO's founding to its current royal prominence.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, Negri Sembilan Umno Liaison Committee chairman, has explained his non-attendance at yesterday's menteri besar swearing-in at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, citing insufficient advance notification.

Umno's information chief has downplayed concerns that a state-level alliance between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan could destabilize the federal unity government, arguing that state and national politics operate independently.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, chairman of Negri Sembilan Umno Liaison Committee, has dismissed reports of disappointment after being bypassed for the menteri besar position, reaffirming that Barisan Nasional's return to governance took precedence.

UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Maran UMNO Youth chief Mohd Radzi Rahimi, describing it as a significant loss to the party's grassroots structure.
Negeri Sembilan UMNO's top leader has called for the party to rally behind newly appointed Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, emphasising the need for unity and minimal interference in state administration following Barisan Nasional's decisive election win.

Barisan Nasional's Umno party secured both the youngest and oldest winning candidates in Negeri Sembilan's recent state election, showcasing generational diversity within the coalition's successful campaign.

Umno's top official has cautioned party members against complacency and overconfidence following Barisan Nasional's election win in Negri Sembilan, calling for humility and restraint.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged respect for the views of Umno division leaders regarding seat allocations stemming from the party's political understanding with Perikatan Nasional.

Umno vice-president Wan Rosdy has dismissed speculation about imminent talks between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional ahead of the next general election, saying the coalition's immediate focus remains strengthening governance in Negeri Sembilan.

Datuk Ismail Lasim, a 67-year-old lawyer and experienced politician, has been sworn in as Negeri Sembilan's new Menteri Besar, bringing nearly three decades of state-level political and administrative expertise to the role.

Barisan Nasional has identified three candidates to replace Negri Sembilan's Menteri Besar, including Umno state chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. The coalition is expected to announce the final appointment soon.
The Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional coalitions have declared a commanding two-thirds majority in the Negeri Sembilan state election, winning 25 of 36 seats in what signals shifting political dynamics across Malaysia's central region.

UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has appealed to Negri Sembilan voters to evaluate candidates based on their capacity to govern effectively, rather than allowing peripheral political matters to sway their ballot choices.

Pakatan Harapan has lodged police reports against two Umno leaders, seeking investigations into remarks concerning the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar's appointment and claims that the DAP controls the state palace.

Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said has emphasised that Malaysia is the permanent homeland of all citizens, reminding PN's Sanusi Nor that the constitution protects the rights and status of every Malaysian regardless of family background.

An Umno Supreme Council member has cautioned that the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional electoral partnership adopted in Negeri Sembilan does not represent a uniform approach for other states, citing distinct political circumstances in each region.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has acknowledged that the credibility of Barisan Nasional's election manifesto ultimately depends on whether voters in Negri Sembilan find the platform sufficiently persuasive to secure their support.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has signalled that Barisan Nasional will only entertain proposals for cooperation with Perikatan Nasional if they are presented through formal diplomatic channels rather than informal overtures.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has rejected suggestions that the Barisan Nasional coalition would be sidelined by Perikatan Nasional, expressing confidence in BN's electoral strength.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has rejected Umno's criticism of Pakatan Harapan's menteri besar candidate for Negeri Sembilan, characterising the attacks as politically motivated rivalry.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has declared that no individual should receive protection if the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry uncovers evidence of wrongdoing, corruption, or misuse of authority.

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has dismissed Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin's characterization of Bersatu as a 'spoiler' in the upcoming Negri Sembilan election, defending his party's democratic right to contest.

Perikatan Nasional's Klawang candidate Danni Rais has rejected claims that Umno grassroots are undermining his campaign, insisting all polling district operations function under coordinated PN-Barisan Nasional administration.

Barisan Nasional will continue its participation in the Unity Government following a resolution adopted at UMNO's recent General Assembly, chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced, emphasizing respect for the party's highest decision-making body.

A Bersatu official has cautioned Umno against assuming its Johor electoral success will automatically extend to Negeri Sembilan, accusing the party of arrogance in dismissing other coalition partners.

Umno has moved to quash rumours of electoral collaboration with Perikatan Nasional, stating that Barisan Nasional will contest the upcoming Negri Sembilan state election independently with its own policy agenda.

A PKR candidate is leveraging Mandarin fluency to challenge Umno's grip on Pertang, where Chinese voters comprise over one-fifth of the electorate and a Bersatu contender complicates the race.

Senator Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed has been reappointed as Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Negara for a second consecutive term, effective from June 2026 through June 2029, following nomination by the Higher Education Minister.

Umno leaders in Negeri Sembilan have expressed significant unhappiness with the distribution of 11 state assembly seats to Perikatan Nasional, particularly questioning Wawasan's allocation of four seats in its first election.

Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin has urged voters in Negeri Sembilan to completely reject Bersatu, citing the party's catastrophic performance in Johor and warning that allowing it any parliamentary foothold ahead of GE16 would be strategically damaging.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has called for voters to back a political framework centred on cooperation between PAS, Umno, and vetted non-Muslim parties including MCA and MIC, framing the effort as essential to rescuing Malaysia.

A BN polling centre in Klawang has shut down in protest after the constituency was allocated to PN under their electoral arrangement, highlighting internal tensions within the broader coalition.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has urged Negri Sembilan voters to decisively reject Bersatu in the state election, arguing this will clarify political lines ahead of the next general election.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has rejected calls from PKR Youth for Pakatan Harapan to reconsider its federal government partnership with Barisan Nasional, following BN's electoral cooperation with Perikatan Nasional in the Negri Sembilan state election.

Barisan Nasional has committed to maintaining a civil and respectful campaign during the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election, according to Umno's vice-president, signalling the coalition's intent to focus on substantive political discourse.

Senior Umno leadership descended on Tampin to rally Barisan Nasional candidates during the Negri Sembilan state election nomination process, signalling the coalition's commitment to reclaiming ground in the central state.

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has praised Umno for withdrawing its backing from the Negri Sembilan state administration, characterising the decision as a courageous step that empowers voters heading into fresh state elections.

Barisan Nasional has announced 25 candidates for Negeri Sembilan's state election, retaining senior figures Mohamad Hasan in Rantau and Jalaluddin Alias in Pertang while leaving 11 seats still to be finalised.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is being considered as Barisan Nasional's state assembly candidate for Rembau in Negeri Sembilan, with speculation he could be positioned for the chief minister role.

Despite Barisan Nasional's commanding victory in Johor, political analysts believe Umno and Pas will not formalise an alliance for the Negri Sembilan state election, citing strategic and organisational constraints.

Umno-led Barisan Nasional has claimed it is leading in 43 seats in the Johor state election, according to claims made as results continue to be counted across the state's constituencies.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has sidestepped queries about his earlier resignation pledge tied to Umno's Johor election performance, emphasising his commitment to public service.
Barisan Nasional has claimed victory in the Johor state election, with Umno asserting the coalition has secured more than half the available seats, consolidating its position in a key opposition stronghold.

A DAP politician has publicly questioned whether the MCA supports demands to free former Prime Minister Najib Razak, calling on the Chinese-majority party to clarify its stance amid mounting pressure from Umno.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has mourned the death of Datuk Jailani Harun, a respected former journalist and media officer at the UMNO President's Office, who passed away at Serdang Hospital aged 66.

Datuk Jailani Harun, a former journalist serving as diplomatic officer to UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has passed away at Hospital Serdang. He will be laid to rest following funeral prayers at Al-Mubarakah Mosque.

PAS has reiterated its readiness to collaborate with Umno, signalling continuity in the Islamic party's political positioning even as BN leadership strikes a more circumspect tone regarding coalition dynamics.

UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called for a mature and policy-driven campaign in the Johor state election, urging parties to avoid personal attacks that could undermine the Federal Government's Unity coalition.

Umno leader Saifuddin Abdullah has called on Malaysian voters to reject Pakatan Harapan in constituencies where Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional face off against the ruling coalition, asking them to follow their moral principles.

About 200 members from various political parties, including a former Bersatu leader, have switched to Umno, expressing faith in the party and Barisan Nasional's direction ahead of the Johor election.

Johor's state election has upended expectations for all major political players. Despite Umno's confidence, early reports of potential losses triggered alarm, while Pakatan Harapan faces unprecedented criticism and Bersama struggles to present itself as a credible force.

Barisan Nasional is expressing confidence ahead of Johor's July 11 state election, with UMNO deputy leadership claiming the coalition is on track to secure more than 40 of the 56 assembly seats needed to form government.

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on unity government allies to avoid resurrecting historical grievances against Umno and the coalition ahead of the Johor state elections.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has cast doubt on the significance of PAS's public calls for voters to reject Pakatan Harapan in the Johor state election, suggesting that rhetorical gestures carry limited weight unless translated into concrete electoral gains for Barisan Nasional.

Malaysia's top court has postponed its ruling on prosecutors' final challenge to Muar MP Syed Saddiq's corruption acquittal, with judgment now expected July 13.

Johor Umno's information chief has rejected claims that Barisan Nasional support in the state is declining, dismissing predictions of fewer than 40 parliamentary seats as detached from ground reality.

Johor's Umno deputy chief has dismissed DAP claims that Barisan Nasional support in the state is weakening, calling the assertions baseless and unsupported by facts.

An Umno politician claims Pagoh is no longer dominated by Muhyiddin Yassin's influence, citing his own electoral success four years ago as proof that local voters prioritise candidates over party figures.

Umno's Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah won the 2024 Mahkota by-election with a commanding 20,648-vote majority, a result he attributes partly to backing from former coalition partner Pakatan Harapan during the campaign.
A former Johor assembly speaker has alleged that confidential negotiations between Umno and PAS cultivated a false sense of security within the Barisan Nasional coalition, now leaving it exposed to political instability.

A Kangar Umno division chief and two former company directors have lost their legal challenge to delay repaying RM492,480 to a haj and umrah service operator after the High Court rejected their stay application.

A High Court has rejected an attempt by an UMNO figure and two associates to postpone a RM492,480 refund to umrah pilgrims, allowing the payment order to proceed immediately.

Barisan Nasional is fielding a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers for the upcoming Johor state election, with party leaders arguing this combination positions the coalition to tackle increasingly sophisticated governance challenges.

PKR Youth vice-chief Nabil Halimi has reiterated that the forthcoming Johor state election should focus on which coalition can best drive economic and social progress, casting doubt on Umno's leadership prospects.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that Johor must remain the coalition's stronghold, framing the upcoming state election as crucial for UMNO's resurgence. He urged party unity while dismissing criticism over candidate selection.

Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani has campaigned for the Barisan Nasional candidate contesting the Tiram seat in the Johor state election, appearing at a community hall gathering in Johor Baru.

Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has urged patience on coalition discussions, saying any talks about forming a government in Johor should commence only after election results are announced.
Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has adopted a conciliatory approach following recent departures of senior figures from the coalition ahead of the July 11 Johor state election.