'I would rather not be Menteri Besar than sit at the same table with DAP'
The political reality in Johor differs from that at the federal level, where cooperation between BN, particularly Umno and DAP has existed, but has never been established in the state.
ISKANDAR PUTERI - Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has ruled out any cooperation with DAP and said he would be willing to forgo the position of Menteri Besar if such an arrangement were required following the Johor state election.
He said the political reality in Johor differs from that at the federal level, where cooperation between BN, particularly Umno and DAP has existed, but has never been established in the state.
"When the state government is reconstituted with the consent of the Sultan of Johor and the Regent of Johor, if the people once again give BN the mandate to govern, we will never be part of a state government together with DAP.
"I would rather not hold the position of Menteri Besar than have to sit at the same table with them. This is the Johor spirit, the Bangsa Johor spirit," he said.
Onn Hafiz made the remarks while speaking at the launch of the Johor BN election machinery at the Indoor Stadium of the EduCity Complex here on Sunday.
The Johor Menteri Besar said the position was not driven by racial sentiments, as alleged by some parties.
Instead, he said Johor's multiracial society lives as one family under the shared identity of Bangsa Johor.
"BN's election machinery must continue explaining the facts to the people so that confusion created by irresponsible parties can be dispelled.
"Johor BN has never sat at the same table with DAP.
"As far as I remember, the ones who have sat at the same table with DAP were Menteri Besars from Bersatu, so please remind them of that," he added.
Onn Hafiz also explained that the decision to dissolve the Johor State Legislative Assembly last week was made after considering various factors, including public welfare and the stability of the state administration.
He said the window for holding elections is becoming increasingly limited, with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri expected to fall in February and March next year, while the northeast monsoon season typically occurs between November and January.
"People outside Johor may not understand because they are not accustomed to coming down to Johor and engaging with the people here.
"Furthermore, given the geopolitical situation in West Asia and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we need a more stable state government to ensure Johor continues to move forward," he said.
Onn Hafiz, who is also the Johor state election operations director said BN is targeting a larger victory margin than the one achieved in the 2022 state election.
"I want to ensure that Johor BN's winning momentum continues, not only to win, but to secure an even more convincing majority.
"I know this will not come easily. We must continue reaching out to people of all races throughout the state," he said.
He also assured voters that the state government would continue providing Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ), including its fifth phase, should BN once again be given the mandate to govern the state.
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