(Johor Bahru, 12th) In the 16th Johor state election held yesterday, a total of 55 candidates lost their election deposits after failing to secure at least one-eighth of the total votes.
Perikatan Nasional fielded 33 candidates, namely 16 from Bersatu, 11 from PAS, 5 from the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP), and 1 from Pejuang. Among them, 21 candidates lost their deposits, making this coalition the one with the highest number of forfeited deposits.
According to the official results from the Election Commission, Perikatan Nasional not only failed to expand its political footing, but also lost three state seats it won in the 2022 Johor state election, namely Bukit Harimau, Maharani, and Senggarang.
Meanwhile, Parti Ikatan, which was formed less than two months ago, suffered a major defeat, with all 15 of its candidates losing their deposits.
On Pakatan Harapan’s side, 7 candidates also lost their election deposits.
Additionally, 4 MUDA candidates, 1 Asli (Indigenous) Party candidate, 1 Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) candidate, and 6 independent candidates also lost their deposits.
Furthermore, among the candidates aged 18 to 40, the highest number of forfeited deposits was observed, with a total of 21, accounting for 41% of the 51 candidates in that age group.
In this state election, Barisan Nasional won 48 out of 56 seats, regaining control of Johor.
As for Pakatan Harapan, it won 8 seats, namely 6 for the Democratic Action Party, and 1 each for the People's Justice Party and the National Trust Party.