Analysts also expect campaign issues to differ between Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
In Johor, as a more developed state, Mazlan said that voters are likely to focus on economic concerns such as job opportunities and incomes, as well as public safety and infrastructure.
In Negeri Sembilan, local political developments are expected to feature more prominently.
The recent dispute involving the state’s royal institution could emerge as a campaign issue, with the controversy possibly generating sympathy for Tunku Muhriz and creating perceptions that UMNO was “not friendly” towards the ruler, said Mazlan.
Echoing this, Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia told Free Malaysia Today that this may put UMNO at a disadvantage.
“The people, from my understanding and observations, are not happy with the crisis and blame has been put on UMNO,” Syaza reportedly said.
Experts previously told CNA that PH’s decision to dissolve the Negeri Sembilan assembly more than two years before it was due was largely reactive to the political situation in Johor.
The next Negeri Sembilan state election was not initially due until November 2028, while Johor’s one was due only in June next year.
The last state election in Negeri Sembilan was held on Aug 12, 2023.
The analysts added that the upcoming state polls could act as a barometer for PH to gauge public support, providing a better indication of how the pact and Anwar may fare in the looming national polls.
While the general election is only due in February 2028, there has been talk that Anwar was considering the possibility of holding snap polls this year.
Anwar has however brushed it aside, saying that his focus remains on governing the country and delivering results to the people, local media reported.
Observers quoted by local media have reportedly said that the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls could spark a series of state polls in the coming months, including in Melaka and Perlis.
Separately, the current term for the Sarawak legislative assembly ends in February 2027 and a state election must be called by April that year.
Despite tensions between PH and BN, coalition partners in the unity government, ahead of the upcoming state polls, both UMNO and Anwar have reaffirmed their commitment to the federal government.
“In politics, this business of divorcing … and remarrying is not our way. We negotiate properly, discuss matters properly and cooperate properly. For now, the unity government remains intact, although there are some differences of opinion at the state level,” the prime minister said on Wednesday, as quoted by Bernama.
Asyraf, the UMNO leader, on Wednesday said that the party remained open to cooperation with any political party in the interests of political stability and the well-being of the people.
