Johor is the best platform for Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) to expand their influence and struggles, said its chairman Mohamad Sabu.

"Johor has such high potential for the new Pakatan Rakyat, together with GHB, to win in the coming election if compared to other states.

"The change in attitude of Johoreans is evident... especially after the dismissal of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (from Cabinet)," said the politician, popularly known as Mat Sabu, when asked to comment on the movement's prospects in the state.

He added, Johor had stopped being an UMNO stronghold since the 2008 and the 2013 general elections as the younger generation who migrated to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other states for their employment, began progressing.

Mat Sabu spoke to reporters after attending the GHB Aidilfitri celebration at Taman Universiti here.

The event saw the introduction of several professionals – Dr Sulaiman Mohd Nor, Dr Ali Abdul Rahman, Zainal Abidin Sidi and Dr Mazlan Jam'an – who will help to champion the movement in Johor.

Present at the event were also GHB central committee members, and state DAP and PKR leaders.

Meanwhile, GHB assistant secretary Suhaizan Kaiat, who was also present, said the movement will continue with its three functions – to gather progressive leaders, to champion the rakyat's struggles and to form a new party.