BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir said the coalition backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to form the unity government on the basis of national responsibility, to ensure political stability.

He said the intention was to prevent the country from being bogged down by prolonged political polemics, and that this pact would remain in effect until the parliamentary term ends.

“Therefore, there is no question of BN betraying the unity government. BN will continue playing its role to preserve the government’s stability and the people’s welfare,” he said in a statement.

Last week, Johor BN chairman and menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the coalition would contest all 56 seats in the next Johor election.

Onn Hafiz said the decision was made after considering the views and aspirations of the people of Johor, as well as feedback from Umno and BN grassroots leaders in the state.

The announcement sparked speculation over the political landscape ahead of the state polls, particularly on whether the alliance between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) would fall apart.

The Johor assembly will dissolve automatically in April next year if elections are not called earlier, with polls required within 60 days of dissolution.

BN formed the Johor government after winning 40 of the 56 seats in the 2022 state election. PH won 12 seats while Perikatan Nasional secured three and Muda one.