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DATUK Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has dismissed speculation that he is being lined up to replace Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 11th Prime Minister, reiterating his support for the current Unity Government.
The UMNO vice-president and Plantation and Commodities Minister made clear that such rumours were baseless and unhelpful, insisting the Anwar-led administration remains stable and should be left to govern without interference.
“I want to say this government is peaceful and should not be disturbed,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“If you’re unhappy, wait for the next general election.”
Johari was responding to growing speculation among political circles and commentators that he could emerge as a contender for the top post in the event of a shift in federal leadership. His name has been floated as a potential figure to lead Putrajaya amid rising murmurs of dissatisfaction from some quarters.
Pressed on whether he had the backing of Members of Parliament, particularly from UMNO, Johari replied that the numbers were not on his side.
“UMNO only holds 26 parliamentary seats,” he said simply.
Earlier in the day, Johari had met with traders and local residents in Desa Pandan regarding the proposed demolition of several hawker stalls at Blok E 16, Jalan 2/76.
The speculation around Johari comes at a time of political manoeuvring and public debate over the future direction of Malaysia’s coalition-led government, but the minister’s remarks make clear he is not entertaining any immediate leadership ambitions. - July 17, 2025
