They said the coalition would show itself as weak if it did not announce its choice soon.

“Barisan Nasional has already named Johor BN chairman Hasni Mohammad as its poster man. So, for PH to name its MB-designate later will reflect poorly on the coalition,” Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research told FMT.

“It is very critical for PH to name its MB candidate soon to give voters the perception of its readiness to establish or to administer the state government.

“Although nomination day is yet to be set and the names of candidates have not been finalised, PH needs to at least put forward its MB-designate, especially to win over the fence sitters.”

Azmi said the delay in naming the candidate, as well as the decision of PKR to contest under its own logo, indicated problems within the coalition.

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said naming the menteri besar-designate early would reflect coalition unity and serve as a sign of confidence in facing the state election.

“The later PH announces its MB candidate, the higher the risk of rejection from the voters,” he said. “Johor is a large state and the potential MB must be given ample time to make his rounds on the ground.”

On Saturday, PH leader Anwar Ibrahim said the coalition had not discussed its choice of a candidate for the post.

He said PH felt it was more important to work on ensuring its victory in the elections.