Highlights of Johor BN candidates: Seat swaps, heavyweight returns, notable absence

Highlights of Johor BN candidates: Seat swaps, heavyweight returns, notable absence

Alyaa Alhadjri & Ayesha Sheik Mazrul
Published: Jun 24, 2026 6:39 PM
Updated: 10:09 PM



BN has unveiled its full line-up of 56 candidates for the 16th Johor state election, with caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who will defend the Machap seat, leading the announcement.

After an initial delay amid speculation of last-minute negotiations, Onn, who is also the Johor BN chief, took to the stage at the Johor Umno headquarters in Johor Bahru today to deliver his speech and formally disclose the slate.

The list comprises 37 Umno candidates, including Onn, alongside 15 from MCA and four from MIC.

BN’s line-up features a series of notable seat swaps between component parties, the return of several senior figures, and the omission of some long-serving incumbents.

Among the most significant changes is the redistribution of several traditional strongholds between Umno, MCA and MIC.

One of the key changes is the reshuffling of traditional strongholds among Umno, MCA, and MIC. Layang-Layang, previously held by Umno’s Abdul Mutalip Abd Rahim, has been allocated to MCA, which is fielding the Johor caretaker menteri besar’s special officer Chua Jian Boon.

BN candidate for Layang-Layang, Chua Jian Boon

In return, Tenggaroh, long regarded as an MIC stronghold, has been handed to Umno, which is fielding Youzaimi Yusof as its candidate.

Former Tenggaroh assemblyperson and exco member Ravinkumar Krishnasamy will contest in Kemelah, while Pannir Selvan Paliksina has been fielded in Perling, a seat MCA contested in the last election.

In several urban and semi-urban seats traditionally associated with Pakatan Harapan and Muda, BN is fielding a mix of new faces.

In Puteri Wangsa, MCA’s Teow Chia Ling will contest the seat vacated by Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, setting up a high-profile contest against former education minister Maszlee Malik, who is running under the Harapan banner.

BN is also targeting Johor Jaya, where newcomer Chan San San has been fielded following the departure of long-serving DAP assemblyperson Liow Cai Tung.

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In neighbouring Skudai, Tan Hiang Kee will attempt to reclaim the seat for BN after incumbent DAP assemblyperson Marina Ibrahim opted not to defend it.

In Penggaram, Boo Chin Long has been tasked with challenging the opposition’s hold following the retirement of veteran DAP lawmaker Gan Peck Cheng.

Also present at the candidate announcement today were the MCA and MIC presidents, Wee Ka Siong and SA Vigneswaran.


Heavyweight returns, notable absences

One of the most high-profile returns is former health minister Adham Baba, who has been nominated for Pasir Raja, replacing incumbent Rashidah Ismail.

The list also marks the absence of former Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad from Benut, a seat he has long held. BN has instead fielded Sumali Reduan there.

Johor exco member and Umno Youth vice-chief Hairi Shah has been retained in Larkin.

Former health minister Adham Baba

In Endau, Alwiyah Talib will defend the seat under the BN banner after returning to Umno. She previously won the constituency in 2022 on a Perikatan Nasional ticket, prompting Onn to quip, “welcome back”.

Mahkota incumbent assemblyperson Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, who won a landslide victory in the 2024 by-election, has been selected to defend the seat for a full term.

MCA Youth chief and Johor exco member Ling Tian Soon will also contest Yong Peng, one of the state’s key Chinese-majority constituencies.