Johor has emerged as a key battleground for Malaysia’s political future, with opposition alliance Pakatan Harapan making an all-outbid for the Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold of Ayer Hitam, where it will field – and risk losing – its rising star Liew Chin Tong. Capturing Johor would be symbolic as the state is the birthplace of UMNO, the largest party in BN’s ruling coalition. A win in Ayer Hitam will likely bring about a Pakatan victory in Johor, and pave the way for an opposition government to seize Putrajaya, according to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. Malaysia’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed, 52, from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, is working hard. He is confident that he will retain the Johor seat.