SHAH ALAM - Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended Barisan Nasional’s (BN) decision to contest the upcoming Johor State Election on its own, insisting that the coalition’s refusal to cooperate with DAP is rooted in political and ideological differences rather than race, despite facing accusations of being arrogant and racist.
Speaking at the BN Candidate Announcement Ceremony for the Johor State Election at the Johor Umno Office, Onn Hafiz said BN Johor had been subjected to various attacks and criticisms since announcing on 16 May that it would contest all 56 state seats.
According to him, the criticism intensified after BN Johor made clear its intention to seek a fresh mandate from Johor voters and continue governing the state independently following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly on 1 June.
“Since announcing on 16 May that BN Johor would contest all 56 seats in the Johor State Election, followed by the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly on 1 June, we have faced various attacks, accusations and negative labels," Onn Hafiz said.
“BN Johor’s decision not to cooperate with other parties, including DAP, has led to accusations that the coalition is arrogant or racist. However, BN is a multiracial coalition representing Malays, Chinese, Indians, Bumiputera and other communities.
“Rejecting cooperation with DAP was not based on race, but on differences in political views, approaches and ideology. DAP is a political party, and BN’s refusal to work with it should not be interpreted as rejecting any racial group,” he emphasised.
Onn Hafiz said the coalition’s position was a collective decision that remained unchanged despite public criticism, reaffirming that BN Johor intended to govern independently if given another mandate by voters.
“BN Johor’s position on the matter was a collective decision that will remain firm and unchanged. If the people of Johor grant BN Johor a fresh mandate to govern the state, the coalition will not form a coalition government with any other political party and will continue governing on its own,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened political attention ahead of the state polls, with BN seeking to retain control of Johor while facing challenges from rivals.
Addressing the party’s candidates, Onn Hafiz reminded them that being selected to contest was not a reward but a responsibility entrusted to them by the party and voters. He called on candidates to conduct themselves professionally throughout the campaign period with courtesy, discipline and wisdom.
At the same time, the Menteri Besar appealed to party members who were not selected to contest to continue supporting the coalition’s election machinery. He emphasised that the election was a collective effort and that unity within BN would be crucial in securing victory.
“The challenge ahead is bigger than any individual or position. While only one candidate may contest in each seat, the victory that matters is that of the entire BN team,” he stressed.
His speech reinforced BN Johor’s strategy of presenting itself as a standalone political force in the state election, while drawing a clear distinction between its political direction and that of other parties.
The Johor State Election is expected to be closely watched as one of the key political contests ahead of the next General Election, with BN hoping to secure a renewed mandate under Onn Hafiz’s leadership.