Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has declared that Barisan Nasional will not form a state government with DAP if given the mandate after the upcoming Johor state election, in a statement that sharpens coalition battle lines ahead of the polls.
Onn Hafiz was quoted by Malay Mail as saying that Johor's political landscape differed from the federal level, noting that Johor Barisan had never governed alongside DAP.
"I would rather not be the Mentri Besar than sit at the same table with them. Johor and the Federal Government are different realities," he said.
He also directed criticism at Bersatu, reminding voters that "DAP was with them when they were the state government." Onn Hafiz urged voters not to be swayed by claims linking Johor Barisan with DAP, calling such allegations "slander."
The remarks carry significant implications for coalition dynamics in Johor, where Barisan Nasional currently holds a majority. At the federal level, BN is part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government alongside DAP and other Pakatan Harapan parties. Onn Hafiz's stance signals that the BN state chapter intends to distance itself from the federal arrangement, potentially complicating seat negotiations between the two coalitions in Johor's 56 state constituencies.
On the dissolution of the Johor legislative assembly on June 1, Onn Hafiz said the timing was carefully considered. He explained that the year-end monsoon season makes electioneering difficult, February coincides with Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected around March next year.
The Election Commission has yet to announce nomination and polling dates for the Johor state election. -- Source: Malay Mail
