Johor Reset coordinator Zulkifli Bujang said the Barisan Nasional administration’s four-year tenure had provided ample time for Johoreans to evaluate its performance.

“The upcoming state election is not merely a routine democratic exercise but a referendum by the people on the current administration’s performance,” he said in a statement.

He questioned whether the economy and cost of living had truly been safeguarded in the interests of the majority of the people.

“To what extent have previous promises on development and welfare been realised in the form of tangible benefits at the grassroots level?

“We urge voters to choose leaders who possess integrity, competence and realistic plans to address the challenges facing the state.”

Hamzah, who is the former Bersatu deputy president, is expected to launch a new political party later this month.

Hamzah was sacked by Bersatu on Feb 13 at the height of a leadership tussle with party president Muhyiddin Yassin. The former opposition leader launched his Reset movement the following day.

The Larut MP has since been linked to plans to take over a new party along with several other sacked Bersatu leaders, including Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang) and Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor).