Its deputy chairman, Dzulkefly Ahmad, said cooperation must be built on equality and the spirit of the unity government, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He said his party would reject any form of dominance or “big brother” attitude by either PH or BN.

“Seat negotiations, campaign strategies and the division of responsibilities must take into account the strength and contributions of each party, not merely historical positions or the number of seats previously won,” he was quoted as saying in a statement today.

Although PH is not part of the Johor government, Dzulkefly said the coalition’s role in Putrajaya had helped bring major projects to the state, including the Johor-Singapore special economic zone, the special financial zone and the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track project.

He said that seat negotiations should begin early and be conducted with full transparency to avoid misunderstandings.

“Coalition partners must respect one another’s views, as the people of Johor expect a united leadership, not internal disputes that create negative perceptions,” he added.

The Johor state government is led by BN, which holds 40 seats in the state assembly. PH holds 12 seats and serves as an ally providing support via confidence and supply but is not part of the state government.

There have been calls by PH members for a unity state government in Johor, in line with the federal government in which PH and BN are partners together with East Malaysian parties.