JOHOR BAHRU, May 12 — The upcoming Pakatan Harapan (PH) convention here this weekend will be an important platform to determine the direction of cooperation between the coalition and Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the election, said Johor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-chief Suhaizan Kaiat.

The Pulai MP said the convention needs to clarify the current political position and strategy involving the unity government in the state.

“At present, the political situation in Johor has not yet shown a structured and comprehensive framework of cooperation between PH and BN, despite both working together at the federal level.

“This convention is very important in providing a clear direction for PH to face the upcoming state election and general election,” he said in a statement issued today.

Suhaizan added that the convention should also act as a framework to clarify the current political position and strategy.

“This includes taking into account the background of the lack of formal cooperation involving the unity government in Johor.

“Aside from that, there is also a need to strengthen cooperation within the unity government at the national level,” he said.

Suhaizan, who is the former Johor state legislative assembly speaker, proposed that the unity government consider holding the state election simultaneously with the 16th General Election (GE16) as a cost-saving measure and to minimise political uncertainty.

He said that if GE16 was planned strategically, the general election and several upcoming state elections, including Melaka and Johor, could be held concurrently at an earlier date.

“States under PH and BN administrations should consider coordinating the elections together for the sake of political stability and administrative efficiency,” he said, adding that the move could reduce political fatigue and provide a clearer and stable mandate to the government.

Previously, on May 3, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported saying that any proposal to hold GE16 concurrently with the Melaka and Johor state elections will depend on the current political situation and the consent of the respective Rulers and Yang Dipertua Negeri.

The Umno president explained that although the administrative terms of Melaka and Johor will end soon, the decision to dissolve the state assemblies rests with the heads of state, based on the advice of the menteri besar or chief minister.