During a state election dialogue held on Tuesday, July 7, Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr. Maszlee Malik emphasized that higher voter turnout in the upcoming Johor state election would provide the winning coalition with a stronger, more legitimate mandate from the people. Speaking at the RTM auditorium, the Puteri Wangsa candidate argued that high participation is essential to represent the true will of the rakyat. Maszlee also questioned the timing of the election given current global economic uncertainties and rising living costs. Regarding Pakatan’s Johor manifesto, he highlighted proposals modeled after Selangor, such as RM8,000 assistance for first-time homebuyers. Additionally, he addressed the cost of living, stating that one-off financial aid must be supplemented by long-term measures. The Johor state election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11, following early voting on Tuesday.