BN Women Push for Greater Female Representation in Johor State Election
PUTRAJAYA: The women’s wing of Barisan Nasional (BN) is calling for a larger number of female candidates to be fielded in the upcoming Johor state election, arguing that greater representation will strengthen women’s role in political leadership and decision-making.
Its chairperson, Noraini Ahmad, said the movement remains committed to expanding opportunities for women within the coalition and ensuring that capable female leaders are given the chance to serve the public.
According to her, Johor currently ranks among the states with one of the highest levels of female representation within BN, demonstrating that women have consistently proven their ability to perform effectively as elected representatives.
“BN Women would certainly like to see more women candidates being nominated. Johor has shown encouraging progress in female political representation, and we hope that momentum can be maintained and further improved,” she said.
She spoke to reporters after visiting the Klang Valley Distribution Terminal (KVDT) in Putrajaya today.
Noraini, who also serves as Noraini Ahmad, noted that women currently account for about 26 per cent of BN’s elected representatives in Johor based on the outcome of the previous state election.
She described the figure as a positive achievement but said there is still room for improvement in efforts to enhance women’s participation in politics.
“Our objective is not only to maintain the current level of representation but also to increase it wherever possible,” she said.
The senior BN leader added that discussions regarding female representation have already taken place with Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
She said BN Women will continue advocating for greater female participation as the coalition finalises its electoral preparations.
On the issue of candidate selection, Noraini confirmed that a preliminary list of potential candidates has already been prepared.
However, she stressed that the names must still undergo evaluation and receive approval from both Johor BN and the coalition’s central leadership before any official announcement is made.
Johor is heading toward its 16th state election following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly earlier this week.
Political parties across the state are now intensifying preparations, including candidate selection, campaign planning and mobilisation of grassroots machinery ahead of the upcoming polls.
