‘In Johor, we have our own way’: Onn Hafiz draws distinction between state politics and federal BN-Pakatan cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today said DAP would not be part of a future Barisan Nasional (BN) state government in Johor, while stressing that the state’s political circumstances differ from those at the federal level.

In a Facebook post, the Johor BN chairman said the coalition would continue to govern on its own in the state as long as it retained the support and mandate of Johor voters.

“DAP has never been and will never be part of a Johor BN government,” he said.

“This is not about arrogance. This is also not about race. This is about principles, mandate and responsibility to Bangsa Johor.”

Onn Hafiz said he had a responsibility to respect the wishes of BN grassroots members in Johor who wanted the coalition to contest the next state election independently.

He also drew a distinction between cooperation at the federal and state levels, noting that BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) came together to form the federal government after the 15th general election when no coalition secured a parliamentary majority.

“At the federal level, BN cooperates with PH after GE15 on the decree of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, when no coalition had a majority to form the federal government.

“That situation is not the same as Johor,” he said.

According to Onn Hafiz, BN had received a clear mandate from Johor voters and had formed a stable state government.

“Alhamdulillah, we have formed a stable state government. We have proven our performance. And we have a responsibility to continue this work without being disrupted by political manoeuvring that could undermine the state’s stability,” he said.

The statement follows remarks by Onn Hafiz yesterday in which he said he would rather relinquish the menteri besar’s post than sit at the same table with DAP.

His comments come amid discussions over political alignments ahead of the next Johor state election, which must be held by 2027 unless the state assembly is dissolved earlier.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would be “arrogant” to deny any race or political party a role in government after receiving support through the democratic process, although he did not refer to any specific party or individual.

Without directly addressing the prime minister’s remarks, Onn Hafiz reiterated that Johor’s political landscape should be viewed separately from developments at the federal level.

“In Johor, we have our own way.

“This is Johor Umno. This is Johor BN. This is Bangsa Johor,” he said.