Pakatan Harapan (PH) held its national convention on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. More than 5,000 delegates and supporters from PH’s component parties PKR, Amanah, and DAP gathered for the event [4, 5].

PH chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered the keynote address outlining the coalition’s direction and preparations for the 16th General Election (GE16), expected within about a year and a half, as well as possible upcoming Johor and Melaka state elections [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, PH communications director, described the convention as "the first beating of the war drums," marking PH’s first major political mobilization in four years [1, 3, 6]. Fahmi said, "The prime minister will provide direction for PH not only to face the Johor and Melaka elections which are expected to take place in the not too distant future, but also in terms of PH's preparations for GE16" [4].

Key topics included preparations for possible early Johor and Melaka state elections, even though the Johor state assembly term officially expires in April 2027 [1, 2, 4, 6, 5]. The convention programme included morning forums and podcast sessions with PH’s Women and Youth wings, followed by speeches from party leaders and the Prime Minister in the afternoon [1, 3, 5].

PH leaders stressed achievements under the current administration, including ongoing subsidy rationalisation for RON95 petrol and diesel [1, 3]. PH communications director Fahmi Fadzil pointed to government projects in Johor, such as new hospital facilities, a vocational college, developments at Forest City, and improvements to Customs and Immigration complexes [7].

PH national and state leaders speaking at the event included DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail [2, 5].

Meanwhile, Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership are closely watching the PH convention ahead of Johor’s elections. Umno plans to contest all 56 Johor state seats in the upcoming polls [6]. Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said, "Umno is paying serious attention to the PH convention… as it is believed that the Johor state election will be held earlier and separately from the 16th General Election" [6].

The convention marks a key moment for PH to strengthen its grassroots electoral machinery, consolidate coalition unity, and finalize strategies for the elections expected in the near future [4, 5].