JOHOR BAHRU, 12 July 2026 — Barisan Nasional (BN) delivered a landslide victory in Saturday’s Johor state election, with the enduring popularity of Datuk Seri Najib Razak proving to be a key driver of support on the ground.

The result reflected remarks by Najib’s son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, that a big BN win would signal continued public backing for his father.

“If BN wins by a large margin, it will send a strong signal, not only that the people of Johor support BN and its leadership, but also that they still cherish ‘Bossku’ and hope he can once again be with the rakyat,” Nazifuddin, the Langkawi Umno division chief, had said.

Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after his original 12-year jail term and RM210mil fine were reduced by the Pardons Board in February 2024. 

The former Pekan MP was convicted on charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering involving RM42mil from SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Rural Strongholds Deliver

BN’s machinery performed strongly in kampung and Felda areas, where the “Bossku” sentiment remained most pronounced. 

Voters there continue to associate Najib’s tenure with direct cash aid, BR1M, rural roads and development programmes.

“Many rural voters still see Najib’s era as a time when assistance reached the ground quickly,” an analyst said. “That translated into turnout and big majorities for BN.”

The coalition also held its own in semi-urban Malay seats by keeping the focus on cost of living and local delivery.

Unity Government Under Scrutiny

The scale of the win has put the federal Unity Government under scrutiny. 

While BN and DAP were rivals in Johor, both remain federal partners.

The pardon issue flared during the campaign after DAP deputy chairman and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said he would be the first to resign if Najib was released.

“If Najib is truly released today, acquitted, I will immediately be the first to quit,” Nga told Oriental Daily. 

Nga also warned that freeing Najib would turn Malaysia into a “banana republic”, and did not rule out DAP leaving the Unity Government.

BN deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan responded by challenging Nga to “resign immediately”.

With the mandate secured, BN leaders said the focus now shifts to fulfilling campaign pledges and consolidating support ahead of the next general election.