‘No issues here’: CM says Penang unity government intact despite developments elsewhere

‘No issues here’: CM says Penang unity government intact despite developments elsewhere



Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s unity government remains stable despite political developments in other states. — Picture via Facebook/Chow Kon Yeow 曹觀友

First Published: Wednesday, 15 Jul 2026 4:28 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, July 15 — Penang’s unity government remains stable despite political developments in Melaka and several other states, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.

He said cooperation among the component parties in the state government remained smooth, with no issues affecting the administration.

“So far, there are no issues concerning our cooperation. Everything remains as usual — the status quo. No party has initiated any new decision regarding the direction of the government,” he said at a press conference at his office in Komtar today.

“Some of our colleagues have said the Penang unity government remains intact. That is the view at this point,” he added.

Chow was commenting on Melaka DAP’s decision to withdraw from the state government after the Melaka State Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the state constitution allowing for the appointment of nominated state assemblymen.

He said the Penang state government had once considered allowing the appointment of nominated state assemblymen to fulfil a 30 per cent quota for women in line with the state’s gender equality stance.

However, he said Penang could not implement the proposal due to difficulties in calculating the quota based on the number of seats.


“Penang’s proposal was for women, in the interest of gender equality, whereas the one in Melaka was for everyone, so it is different,” he explained.

On the Johor state election results, Chow, who is also Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said the coalition accepted the outcome with an open mind and was reviewing the reasons behind the setback.

He said various analyses were being conducted to identify the factors behind PH’s defeat and declining support so that the coalition could address its weaknesses.

“We welcome all views because they are advice that can help us rectify our weaknesses, build on our strengths and reorganise our strategy.

“It is not easy to dismiss the views of the people. We will examine all the factors because there may be many reasons that contributed to the outcome,” he said.

Chow said the priority was to strengthen public confidence in PH’s struggle and policies.

He also acknowledged the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion.

He said digital technology had transformed the political landscape and society through the rapid spread of information.

“Social media can influence thinking, change perceptions, shape expectations and create distrust. All of these affect many aspects of life, including politics,” he said.

***

BEST State in the world - next year we want Rain Rave Festivals 😂😂😂👍

The Network School in Malaysia’s Forest City: Innovation Hub or Security Concern?

Murray Hunter


The Network School in Malaysia’s Forest City: Innovation Hub or Security Concern?

Murray Hunter
Jul 15, 2026






In the gleaming, yet often underpopulated, development of Forest City in Johor, Malaysia, a bold experiment in community-building is underway. The Network School (NS), launched in 2024, has quickly become a flashpoint, drawing scrutiny from Malaysian authorities over allegations of Israeli nationals using second passports, management politics, and potential competition with local interests. While critics see threats to national security and sovereignty, supporters view it as a promising innovation cluster that could benefit Malaysia’s economy, if given space to thrive.

At its core, the Network School embodies the “network state” vision popularized by its founder, Balaji Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase and prominent tech investor. In his writings and talks, Srinivasan argues that traditional nation-states are increasingly outdated in the digital age. Instead, communities should form first online around shared values, which include techno-optimism, entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and global connectivity, before coalescing into physical “startup societies.” These societies function like “society-as-a-service,” blending digital coordination with real-world co-living to accelerate innovation, much like how open-source software or crypto projects bootstrap ecosystems.

The Network School operationalizes this concept in Forest City, strategically located on artificial islands near Singapore. It brands itself as a “frontier community for techno-optimists,” attracting remote workers, digital nomads, content creators, founders, engineers, and self-improvers. Members live together in shared or private accommodations, with memberships starting around US$1,500 per month (with roommates). This fee covers meals, gym access, co-working spaces, and a structured program emphasizing “Learn, Burn, Earn, and Fun.”

Learn: Regular talks from high-profile figures like Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum), Bryan Johnson, and venture capitalists foster knowledge sharing and startup ideation.


Burn: Daily workouts with trainers and optimized healthy meals promote physical fitness.


Earn: Residents work remotely or collaborate on ventures while building networks.


Fun: A flexible social calendar includes events and easy access to Singapore.

The goal extends beyond personal development. NS aims to bootstrap successive “startup societies” that could eventually negotiate governance arrangements with host countries, creating parallel systems focused on innovation rather than traditional bureaucracy. Forest City’s proximity to Singapore’s tech ecosystem, affordable space, and connectivity make it an ideal testbed, echoing historical precedents like Stanford’s role in Silicon Valley.

This elite, intentional community has drawn global interest but also suspicion in Malaysia. In July 2026, Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the Home Affairs Ministry launched probes into NS operations. Concerns include possible entry by Israeli passport holders (Malaysia bans Israeli passports without special approval due to lacking diplomatic ties), misuse of immigration facilities, and whether programs comply with education and business regulations. Authorities are examining identities, travel documents, second passports, land use, and business activities.

Critics worry about national security, foreign influence, or ideological imports conflicting with Malaysian interests. Past events, like a now-removed video featuring Israeli vlogger Nas Daily promoting the school, have fueled public concerns. Some see the cluster as a threat to vested local business interests rather than a complement to Malaysia’s entrepreneurial scene.

Yet, dismissing such clusters risks sending a chilling message to global talent. Malaysia has welcomed innovation hubs before, but cases like Grab’s regulatory battles highlight tensions between established players and agile newcomers. An innovation cluster linking international venture capital, founders, and Malaysian entrepreneurs could create jobs, knowledge transfer, and economic spillovers, which is precisely what forward-looking economies pursue. Forest City itself was envisioned as a futuristic development; populating it with builders aligns with that ambition.

The Network School remains a work in progress. Its “society-as-a-service” model tests whether high-agency individuals can self-organize more effectively than legacy institutions. Challenges include building inclusive culture amid diverse residents and delivering sustained value beyond co-living.

As investigations proceed, Malaysia faces a choice: prioritize caution amid geopolitical sensitivities or embrace the potential of network-era communities. Proving any illicit connections (such as intelligence links) would validate concerns. Absent that, heavy-handed actions could deter the very innovators needed for a competitive economy. In a world of remote work and digital borders, experiments like NS may represent the future of human organization, one Malaysia could help shape, or watch relocate elsewhere.

With stars aligned in Harapan's favour, Nik Nazmi cautions against delayed KL reforms

With stars aligned in Harapan's favour, Nik Nazmi cautions against delayed KL reforms


Published: Jul 15, 2026 1:48 PM
Updated: 5:00 PM



Former PKR minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has stressed that Pakatan Harapan should capitalise on its current strengths in government to advocate for proposed reforms in Kuala Lumpur, including establishing mayoral elections and appointed councillors.

In a statement today, the Parti Bersama Malaysia co-leader insisted that Putrajaya would be amiss not to champion the proposals, which have been rejected by an International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) study.

“It would be truly regrettable if the federal government were to let slip such a meaningful opportunity, at a time when the country is led by a Harapan prime minister and the minister responsible for the federal territories is also from Harapan.

“Following the 2022 general election, 10 out of 11 Kuala Lumpur parliamentary seats were also won by Harapan, which had promised to strengthen democratisation and increase accountability in the administration of DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall),” Nik Nazmi said.

The former Setiawangsa MP said this when addressing reports earlier this month that IIUM had advised against mayoral elections and appointed councillors for Kuala Lumpur.


READ MORE: IIUM study torpedoes KL mayor polls, no appointed councillors either



Bias concerns

Commenting on the study, Nik Nazmi noted that he was “not surprised” by its findings against the proposed reform measures, suggesting that the team behind the matter had perhaps made up their minds beforehand.

International Islamic University Malaysia

“I gave my full cooperation to the team conducting the study and tried to maintain an open attitude throughout the course of the study.

“But my impression after meeting with them was that the team leading this study was indeed, from the very start, not inclined towards any amendment.

“It is hard not to wonder whether the conclusion on this issue had already been reached earlier,” the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister said.

Nik Nazmi also took issue with the study’s argument that any change to a mayor’s method of appointment or functions would contradict the original purpose of the Federal Capital Act, namely the separation of city administration from party politics.

“The argument does not take into account the fact that under the existing system, the mayor themselves is a political appointee, since they are appointed by the federal government.

“Therefore, it can be said that whatever form Kuala Lumpur’s governance takes in the future, whether maintaining the existing system or introducing reforms that have yet to be detailed, it remains a decision that is political in nature,” he said.

A previous statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh on IIUM’s findings did not specify whether the study addressed the fact that the mayor is a political appointee and control of the city is subject to whoever is in power in Putrajaya.


Question of democratic representation unaddressed

Nik Nazmi also stressed that as it stands now, the apparent conclusion reached regarding the matter fails to address a “fundamental question” regarding the rights of Kuala Lumpur residents.

“Kuala Lumpur residents do not have the democratic right enjoyed by people in other states, namely having two channels of representation through voting, one to elect an MP and another to elect a state assemblyperson.

“Recognising the challenge of implementing local government elections in the near future, the Private Member’s Bill I proposed earlier put forward the appointment of councillors as a transitional measure.

“The aim was at least to provide one more channel of accountability and representation that Kuala Lumpur residents have long been without,” he said.

Malaysiakini previously reported that IIUM’s findings appeared to contradict a Merdeka Center survey which found that 58 percent of registered voters nationwide supported the proposal for direct elections for the Kuala Lumpur mayor, while 19 percent opposed it.

Even among the Malays surveyed between March 12 and April 9, 56 percent supported mayoral polls while only 26 percent were against.

Anwar: Israeli nationals found in Malaysia will be deported immediately

Anwar: Israeli nationals found in Malaysia will be deported immediately



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all relevant security agencies were conducting a thorough investigation into allegations that Israeli nationals had been detected in Malaysia. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 15 Jul 2026 2:19 PM MYT
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15 Jul 2026 2:33 PM MYT




KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Malaysia will not compromise and will deport any Israeli nationals found entering the country, as it has a clear policy of not recognising Israel, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said all relevant security agencies were conducting a thorough investigation into allegations that Israeli nationals had been detected in Malaysia.

“We are investigating... we will not allow it. If there are any, action must be taken. If there are Israeli nationals, since we do not recognise Israel, they will be deported immediately,” he told reporters here today.

He was commenting on media reports alleging that Israeli nationals using dual citizenship documents had been found in Johor.

Elaborating, Anwar said the matter was being handled by the authorities and expressed confidence that the relevant ministry would provide further details.

“All the agencies are carrying out investigations. I believe Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir will provide an explanation,” he said.


Yesterday, the Johor government urged the Home Ministry and relevant agencies to investigate the operation of the Network School in Forest City, which was alleged to involve Israeli nationals.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the individuals were believed to have used passports from a second country to enter Malaysia to participate in the programme, raising public concern.

Earlier, allegations circulated on social media claiming that foreign nationals possessing Israeli passports as well as citizenship documents from other countries had attempted to enter or were present in Malaysia for certain purposes. — Bernama

Israel attacks children, hospitals in bloody week in Gaza

Palestine weekly: Israel attacks children, hospitals in bloody week in Gaza


Israel’s grip on the occupied West Bank tightens through outposts, demolitions, and army-backed settler raids, as its forces kill aid workers and children in Gaza

Mourners react during the funeral of six Palestinian police officers who were killed in an Israeli strike on a police station, according to medics, at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, July 14, 2026 [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]

By Al Jazeera Staff
Published On 14 Jul 202614 Jul 2026


Children have been repeatedly killed in Israel’s attacks in Gaza over the past week, as the death toll since the October ceasefire reached at least 1,108.

Attacks include July 8 Israeli strikes that killed at least eight people, including a 10-year-old killed in a strike on a tent in the al-Mawasi “humanitarian zone” and a six-year-old shot in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood, Palestinian health officials said. A day later, a World Central Kitchen driver, Ahmad Nasser Saleem, was shot dead with his hands raised while transporting coordinated aid from the Karem Abu Salem crossing.

On July 12, nine-year-old Tala Jumaa Abu Matar was killed by Israeli fire near the Nuseirat refugee camp, according to medical sources cited by Wafa. Strikes on tents sheltering the displaced in al-Mawasi took place throughout the week, per the Gaza-based activist Hamza al-Masri.

On July 10, an Israeli drone struck the courtyard of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, wounding staff despite the facility sitting inside the Israeli-controlled “green zone”; Gaza’s Ministry of Health called it part of Israel’s “systematic targeting of health facilities”.

The cumulative figure killed since Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza started in October 2023 has now reached 73,231, with 173,686 wounded.



Israeli forces open fire on displaced people in Gaza, killing 9-year-old boy


Claims and realities

Amid such daily field reports, COGAT, the Israeli military body coordinating aid, released a report claiming humanitarian supplies had entered Gaza in quantities that “significantly exceeded” the needs identified by the UN. Its chief, Major-General Yoram Halevy, said anyone disputing the figures COGAT released was “amplifying Hamas propaganda”, according to the Times of Israel.

By contrast, the UN’s own data, published the following day, described the scarcity-by-design of basic necessities in Gaza. In its July 10 situation report, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said food parcels distributed to more than 53,500 people in early July covered just 75 percent of minimum caloric needs, and that a top-up of high-energy biscuits had been suspended to preserve dwindling emergency stocks. Only 56 percent of aid cargo routed through the Egypt corridor was successfully offloaded at the Karem Abu Salem crossing. The number of families receiving shelter assistance had fallen 37 percent from May to June amid funding shortfalls and Israeli restrictions on materials.

Essential services for an estimated 350,000 people living with chronic disease remain severely disrupted amid entry restrictions. Relatedly, OCHA’s Health Cluster partners recorded more than 18,000 new cases of chickenpox, skin infection, and parasitic infestation in a single week.

On the ground, Gaza’s medical facilities were plunged into darkness by fuel shortages, with 38 hospitals already destroyed or rendered inoperable and surgeons forced to shorten operations. The Ministry of Health warned that its labs and blood banks face complete shutdown.



Israel launches new illegal settlement expansion plan


New elections promised

Just days after Gaza’s Hamas-run government announced its resignation to make way for a technocratic committee yet to enter Gaza, on July 9, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree setting Palestinian legislative elections for November 28 – the first such vote in 20 years. The announcement, widely seen as a response to international pressure for reform of the Palestinian Authority, faces considerable obstacles: Israel has yet to permit voting in occupied East Jerusalem, Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and its population registry is out of date.



Gaza bookseller rebuilds library from books rescued from the rubble


Annexation by the numbers

A report published on July 7 by the Israeli advocacy and research groups Peace Now and Kerem Navot documented what it called de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank at an unprecedented pace: between 2023 and 2025, it found, 185 new outposts were established, 118 Palestinian herding communities were expelled, 102 new settlements were created, and illegal farm outposts came to control more than 1.1 million dunams (1.1 billion sq metres) of land -18 percent of all of the West Bank – functioning together as “a single, systematic government policy”.

Developments across the West Bank tracked that overarching policy in motion. In the northern Jordan Valley, Israeli bulldozers uprooted more than 300 olive and grape trees near Atuf and cut water lines serving some 45,000 dunams of farmland as part of the “Crimson Thread” military road and wall project, according to the Tubas official Mutaz Bisharat. Near Jenin, more than 1,500 olive trees were destroyed by Israeli forces in Zububa since the beginning of July, Wafa reported.

Demolitions ran in parallel: over the week, Israeli forces razed homes, agricultural structures and a four-apartment building across Shuqba, Jit, Nablus, Sur Baher, Khirbet al-Miyah and Bruqin, according to Wafa and local activist reports. Settlers demolished the Yanun Elementary School, which had served 15 children, some eight months after the community was ethnically cleansed, per Wafa. On July 13, Wafa reported that Israeli authorities forced the Abu Tir family to self-demolish their home in occupied East Jerusalem, fining them 80,000 shekels and leaving seven homeless.

The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said Israeli authorities had issued 49 military land-seizure orders in the first half of 2026 – already exceeding the 47 issued in all of 2025 – covering 2,093 dunams, mostly along settler bypass roads including Route 60.


Settler violence persists – unimpeded

Much of the week’s violence in the West Bank followed a familiar script: settlers attacking under Israeli military protection. For five consecutive days, activist Osama Makhamreh reported, settlers attacked the family of the elderly Ibrahim Ismail al-Jabour in the Huwara area of Masafer Yatta; soldiers arrived to protect the attackers, and by July 12 had detained al-Jabour himself while seven of his relatives, including two children, were injured by settlers. Across those days, no settler was arrested.

Elsewhere, about 150 settlers attacked Deir Jarir, east of Ramallah, from four directions on July 9 while Israeli forces blocked ambulances, according to Wafa. In al-Mughayyir, northeast of Ramallah, repeated raids left residents wounded by live fire, rubber-coated bullets and stun grenades – including a 10-year-old boy struck in the head – as Israeli forces confiscated ambulance keys, per Wafa and local field sources. Near Jenin, settlers and soldiers together expelled four families from Khirbet Asaeed who had lived there more than 70 years, Wafa reported.

OCHA, in its latest report, recorded at least 35 settler incidents causing casualties or property damage in a single week, bringing the 2026 total to more than 1,200 across more than 240 communities – about six a day.



Family mourns baby after Israeli forces blocked journey to hospital


Harder to explain away

As scrutiny of Israel’s actions intensifies abroad, disputes over basic facts from the ground entangled even visiting US politicians. US Congressman Ro Khanna said he and his group were detained for more than an hour by settlers, before soldiers prevented him from leaving, while touring the emptied village of Khirbet Zanuta in the West Bank. The Israeli military said its soldiers “dispersed” the settlers on arrival; “the [Israeli military] is lying,” Khanna told NBC News.

The same apparent disregard for international observers extended to Israeli courts. Haaretz reported that the Israel Prison Service had imposed sweeping new restrictions on Red Cross visits to Palestinian detainees, despite the ruling of a unanimous High Court last month. Oded Feller of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said the purpose of the decision was “to continue concealing the abuses taking place in IPS facilities”.

Even routine diplomacy was challenged; Israel barred the Arab League’s secretary-general from entering the West Bank to meet President Abbas, according to Wafa – another move that, alongside the outposts, the demolitions and the defied court orders, underscored a trajectory moving steadily in one direction: brazen defiance.



US Rep Ro Khanna speaks out about being harassed by Israeli settlers

A new chapter for Gibraltar from today as decades-old border barriers fall

A new chapter for Gibraltar from today as decades-old border barriers fall



People walk over the Gibraltar airport runway after crossing the border between Spain and Gibraltar, in the British territory of Gibraltar on April 6, 2021. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 15 Jul 2026 7:00 AM MYT

MADRID, July 15 — Thousands of workers crossing daily between Spain and Gibraltar will enter a new era of easier travel today, as border checks that have long been a source of tension are lifted.

Home to only around 40,000 people, the tiny self-governing British territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula relies on about 15,500 daily cross-border workers from Spain, who make up nearly half of its workforce.

During rush hours, long lines can form at the land border and documents are checked—especially during periods of tension between Britain and Spain, which claims sovereignty over Gibraltar.

But under an agreement reached between Brussels and London following Britain’s exit from the European Union, border controls between Gibraltar and Spain will be eliminated from July 15.


A smoother border will make it easier for Gibraltar businesses to recruit and retain workers who live in Spain, as the “hassle” of crossing the frontier can be “significant”, said Owen Smith, head of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses.

“It’s been a big factor in retention, and certainly a fluid border is going to make life much easier,” he told AFP, calling it “very, very positive”.


The agreement, which was signed in Brussels, will align Gibraltar with the rules of Europe’s passport-free Schengen travel area.

It was reached after years of talks between Spain, Britain and the EU.

Travellers arriving from outside the Schengen zone will still have to show their passports to officials at Gibraltar’s airport and port.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to visit the frontier zone on Wednesday, where workers have in recent weeks taken down the old chain-link fencing between Gibraltar and Spain.

He has hailed the new arrangements as bringing down “the last wall” inside the EU, saying they would create a zone of shared prosperity.

Bygone era of friction

Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has described the agreement as removing “the physical barriers of a bygone era of friction” while keeping “the keys to our own front door”.

The border was closed by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1969 after Gibraltar, which relies on London for defence and foreign policy, voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to remain British.

The closure, which lasted 13 years, cut off the daily movement of workers from Spain into Gibraltar and separated families.

Since then, long queues have repeatedly formed at the Gibraltar-Spain border when diplomatic tensions over the territory’s sovereignty have led to tighter controls by Spain.

“It is important that this sword of Damocles disappears,” said Manuel Triano Paulete, secretary general of the CCOO trade union in Spain’s Campo de Gibraltar region which surrounds the British territory, saying cross-border workers often did not know how long it would take them to get to work.

With an economy based on financial services and online gaming, Gibraltar—which covers just under seven square kilometres (2.7 square miles) -- has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

It has long been a lifeline for people who live in Campo de Gibraltar, which has historically had one of Spain’s highest jobless rates.

London and Madrid have disputed control of Gibraltar since the tiny territory was ceded to Britain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. — AFP

The Johor blueprint: A winning formula or a one-state phenomenon for BN?

The Johor blueprint: A winning formula or a one-state phenomenon for BN?



BN president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with the BN Supreme Council at the launch of Johor BN’s election machinery for the 16th state polls at Educity Indoor Stadium in Johor June 7, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 15 Jul 2026 7:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — The landslide victory by Barisan Nasional (BN) in the July 11 state election has fuelled speculation of a broader BN comeback, but political observers caution that the “Johor template” may not be easily replicated in Negeri Sembilan’s upcoming polls.


International Islamic University Malaysia political scientist Syaza Shukri described the Johor result as a return to historical norms and a sign of BN’s resurgence.

“I see it as confirmation of BN’s dominance in Johor and that the 2018 election was just a deviation.


“It shows that BN is making its comeback and might become stronger in states it has dominated before, like Pahang and maybe the more relevant for us is Malacca,” she added.


Syaza, however, stressed that the Johor experience cannot simply be transplanted to Negeri Sembilan, where Pakatan Harapan (PH) has the advantage of being the incumbent and where political dynamics — particularly the role of PAS — differ from Johor.

“I don’t think it would be as easy in Negeri Sembilan. For one, PH is the incumbent and can flip BN Johor’s strategy with a focus on local issues and the government’s contribution.


“Plus, in Negeri, PAS is relatively more influential than it is in Johor; therefore, the Malay vote would be split, unlike the consolidation in Johor,” she added.

She also assessed BN’s positioning between state and federal politics.

“I think BN is a coalition in the right place at the right time. It can play both sides. It is in both the Johor state and federal governments. So they can use that to show how they have contributed to the people.

“At the same time, the unity government is PH-led; hence, if anything goes wrong, the blame would be on its leadership. This provides BN space to build itself back,” she said.

Johor’s state election delivered a decisive victory for BN, which secured 48 of the 56 state assembly seats and garnered about 60 per cent of the popular vote — a net gain of six seats compared with the 2022 state election.

The scale of the win was reflected not only in the number of seats secured, but also in significantly increased majorities across many BN-held constituencies.

Among the most notable swings were in seats previously won by opposition parties or narrowly held by BN.

Bukit Kepong, which Bersatu won in 2022 with a 710-vote majority, swung to Umno in 2026 with a 10,761-vote majority.

Bukit Pasir saw its Umno majority rise from 198 votes in 2022 to 7,600 votes in 2026.

Tangkak, previously won by DAP with a 372-vote lead in 2022, was taken by MCA with a 3,182-vote majority in 2026. Serom saw Umno increase its 2022 majority of 699 votes to 9,406 in 2026.

By contrast, many PH-held seats recorded reduced majorities, with some becoming marginal wins.

Mengkibol’s DAP majority fell from 10,107 votes in 2022 to 4,213 in 2026, while Stulang’s margin dropped from 2,866 votes to just 623.

Overall, DAP lost four of the seats it won in 2022, while PKR and Amanah largely maintained their positions.



Party members celebrate after viewing unofficial results showing Barisan Nasional leading in several seats during the Johor state election at the Johor Umno Liaison Body headquarters on July 11. — Bernama pic



For Viewfinder Global Affairs managing director Adib Zalkapli, Johor’s outcome was driven as much by personalities and campaign execution as by broader political trends — particularly the popularity of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

“BN entered the election with a highly popular chief minister, campaigning on a platform of stability and continuity, with former state excos seeking re-election.

“In contrast, PH fielded a relatively weak slate of candidates and lacked a prominent leader capable of matching the incumbent Chief Minister’s popularity. Ultimately, BN ran the stronger campaign and was rewarded by voters,” said Adib.

On why voters returned to BN, he said: “I think the biggest factor was a popular chief minister, who is seen by the voters to be a hands-on leader and a problem solver. And a weaker campaign by PH also contributed to the outcome.”

Looking ahead, Adib said Johor could serve as a springboard for BN if PH fails to adapt, including in Negeri Sembilan.

He added that BN’s campaign discipline would be crucial if it hopes to replicate its success elsewhere.

“If BN can maintain their Johor campaign discipline and if PH does not learn from Johor, there’s a possibility that we will see similar results in Negeri Sembilan.”

Senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Azmi Hassan viewed the Johor result through the broader lens of voters’ desire for stability and simpler coalition arrangements — a factor he said could shape Negeri Sembilan and beyond.

According to Azmi, BN’s clean sweep in Johor showed that voters wanted a state government without a broad coalition arrangement.

“What’s happening at the federal level, where there are 18 different political parties, and they (voters) see the haywire, the fiasco at the national level, they don’t want anything to do with it at a state level.

“I think that’s what we can tell from the Johor election, that the people didn’t want a government that was formed out of a coalition of convenience,” he said.

He said a similar outcome could happen in Negeri Sembilan if voters decide they want a stable government, with support potentially going to either BN or PH.

Azmi added that current trends suggested PH and BN could go solo in the next general election to form a simple majority instead of relying on a broader coalition.

Negeri Sembilan is scheduled to go to the polls on August 1.

PH has been the incumbent in Negeri Sembilan since 2018.

Before the state assembly was dissolved in June 2026, the 36 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state legislative assembly were held by three main coalitions — PH (17), BN (14) and Perikatan Nasional (five).

Wanks in 1775 versus Wanks in 2026

 

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