Johor Bersatu to hold meeting on state polls

Its secretary Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said its party machinery would also be included in the meeting which would be held soon.

"In addition, meetings and discussions would also be held with Perikatan Nasional component parties, PAS and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) for the same purpose," he said in a statement here today.

Yesterday, Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar gave his royal assent to dissolve the Johor legislative assembly, paving the way for an early state election.

In the 14th general election, Bersatu, which was then in the Pakatan Harapan coalition won nine of the 17 state seats that it had contested.

Meanwhile in IPOH, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the party would hold discussions on the Johor state election with its strategic partners in Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"The state legislative assembly has been dissolved and we respect the Menteri Besar's decision.

"Bersatu will definitely want to contest in the state polls and we will discuss this with our PN allies," he said when met by reporters after officiating the Business Digitilisation Seminar organised by Gagasan Badan Ekonomi Melayu (GABEM) here today.

Ahmad Faizal, however, declined to comment when asked about UMNO-PAS cooperation in facing the state election.

Earlier, Ahmad Faizal, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, said the ministry was planning to work with GABEM and other partners on organising programmes to help youth entrepreneurs nationwide.