JOHOR BARU: Johor Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended the coalition's refusal to work with DAP in forming the next state government, saying the position is based on political differences and should not be interpreted as a racial issue.
The Johor Menteri Besar said BN's stand was directed at DAP as a political party, not at any community in Johor. He said the state's multiracial society remains united under the Bangsa Johor identity, and urged voters not to confuse political disagreement with racial sentiment.
His remarks come as Johor prepares for a state election on July 11, with BN seeking to retain control of the state amid challenges from Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional.
Onn Hafiz had earlier said Johor BN would not share power with DAP if voters returned BN to office. He said he would rather step aside as Menteri Besar than be part of a Johor administration involving DAP.
The statement has become a key campaign issue because BN and PH cooperate at the federal level under the unity government, while their relationship at state level remains more complicated. DAP is a component party of PH.
Onn Hafiz said Johor BN had never governed together with DAP, and argued that the state should be led according to BN's own mandate if the coalition wins. He also urged BN's election machinery to explain the party's position clearly to voters and avoid allowing political opponents to frame the issue as racial.
He said the decision to dissolve the Johor State Legislative Assembly was made after considering state stability, public welfare and the limited window for holding polls before the monsoon season and Ramadan next year.
Onn Hafiz also cited global uncertainty, including concerns involving West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz, as among the reasons Johor needed a stable government to continue attracting investment and maintaining public confidence.
BN is aiming to win with a stronger majority than in the 2022 state election. Onn Hafiz said the coalition would need to continue reaching out to voters from all communities and present a clear case for why it should be returned to power.
The Johor election is expected to test whether BN can defend its state-level dominance while navigating the wider political tension created by its federal cooperation with PH.
Sources: The Vibes, Malay Mail, Bernama.
