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Parti Wawasan Negara, formerly Parti Cinta Malaysia, will not field candidates in Johor but will support Perikatan Nasional. The party's new president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin confirmed the decision while indicating intent to contest in Negri Sembilan.
Perikatan Nasional is likely maintaining its partnership with Bersatu to prevent coalition fractures ahead of critical state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan, say analysts.
A PAS member of parliament has cautioned Bersatu against fielding candidates in Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections, arguing that direct competition between the two Perikatan parties could inadvertently strengthen Pakatan Harapan's position.