JOHOR BAHRU (May 17): Former Simpang Renggam MP and ex-education minister Maszlee Malik said Barisan Nasional’s (BN) declaration that it will contest all Johor state seats in the next election is neither surprising nor alarming for Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Speaking to The Edge, Maszlee — who is also chairman of PKR’s International Affairs Bureau — described the announcement by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi as “nothing new” and “never unexpected”.

BN, led by Umno in Johor, has said it plans to go solo and contest all 56 seats in the Johor State Legislative Assembly at the next state election.

“There will be multiple-cornered fights — definitely three-cornered contests among the three major coalitions,” Maszlee said, referring to PH, BN and Perikatan Nasional.

“That is healthy for democracy. That’s politics — let’s face it. They have thrown down the gauntlet. You take it,” he added.

Maintaining a relaxed and confident demeanour, Maszlee also commented on speculation surrounding possible announcements by senior PKR leaders Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, which have drawn attention ahead of the convention.

“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “Maybe he will announce he is going to have a new cat — it won’t affect PKR. We just don’t know what he wants to announce.”

As of 10am, The Edge observed several senior political figures already present at the venue, including Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, among others.

Read also:
Pakatan Harapan leaders gather in Johor amid early state election talk
Negeri Sembilan MB says Umno ‘lost direction’, urges grassroots to close ranks ahead of polls
PH vows full-scale fight for all 56 seats in Johor after BN opts to go solo
Putrajaya also has hand in driving Johor's development, not just state govt — Loke
DAP wants Negeri Sembilan to follow Johor in dissolution of state assembly, calls for PH to contest all seats
Anwar says snap election possible amid strain in unity govt
Pakatan more consolidated after internal polls, says Amirudin