Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Leads Campaign Ahead of Johor State Election

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim toured Johor as part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign for the upcoming state election. During a stop in Batu Pahat, he apologised to an 86‑year‑old couple who cycled nearly a kilometre to meet him but were unable to do so due to a large crowd.

Anwar urged voters to choose “intelligent” representatives and warned against political intimidation, while also criticizing parties that use Malay‑supremacy slogans without delivering concrete actions. He announced that the government had gazetted 20.23 hectares of strategic land in Bandar Malaysia as Malay reserve land, framing it as a demonstration of commitment to Bumiputera interests.

The campaign narrative included claims that PH was drawn into the Johor election by groups seeking to free former prime minister Najib Razak, a point Anwar raised while stressing the need for political stability through cooperation between state and federal governments. Support from the Indian community in Johor was highlighted, with party leaders noting full utilisation of development funds for the community. Meanwhile, a Johor state assembly member questioned whether Anwar’s statements constituted healthy campaigning or intimidation, urging voters to decide based on policy rather than fear.