JOHOR BARU: The decision by Johor Barisan Nasional to contest in all 56 seats in the state election has MCA's full backing says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"MCA as a component party involved in discussions leading to this consensus, stands firmly behind the leadership of Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
"He has proven himself capable of leading Johor Barisan effectively and administering the state with excellence," the MCA president said in a Facebook post on Saturday (May 16).
He added that MCA has long been fully prepared from every aspect, both in terms of machinery readiness and in formulating effective strategies.
"This is to ensure Barisan continues to defend Johor with a major victory in this coming state election," he added.
Johor MCA liaison committee deputy chairman Ling Tian Soon said the party would give its full commitment to ensure Barisan continues to lead Johor.
"MCA fully supports the announcement made by Onn Hafiz and will work tirelessly to ensure Barisan continues to be given the mandate to govern the state," he said.
Ling, who is also Johor health and environment committee chairman, said under Onn Hafiz's leadership, the state had recorded excellent economic performance as a result of the political stability enjoyed by the state.
"Last year, Johor successfully created a new record for both the state and the country by attracting RM110bil in investments.
"I am confident that Johor, under the leadership of Onn Hafiz, will continue to achieve even greater success in return for the support and trust of the Johor people," he said.
Johor MIC chairman K. Raven Kumar, said his party is committed to strengthening cooperation with the entire Barisan machinery to ensure the coalition's victory in the state election.
"This decision is not about political ego but about ensuring the stability of the state government, continuous development and clear leadership.
"Johor MIC also believes that the state does not need political manoeuvring that could create uncertainty in the administration or disrupt the focus on the development agenda for the people and the state," he said.
Raven, who is also Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman, said he was confident voters would consider Barisan's track record and the political stability it offers when casting their ballots.
Earlier on Saturday, Onn Hafiz said Barisan would contest in all 56 seats in the upcoming state polls, giving an indication that it would head into the much-speculated Johor election without cooperation with Pakatan Harapan.
He said the decision came after having listened to the voices and hopes of the Johor people, as well as the Barisan and Umno grassroots, about the upcoming state election.
Speculation is rife that Johor could have snap polls by October, especially after heightened political activity during Umno's 80th anniversary celebrations at Istana Besar here on May 11.
However, no official announcement has been made yet.
After Umno's 80th anniversary celebrations, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Johor elections would only be held after receiving the blessing from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
The term for the current Johor State Assembly ends automatically on April 21, 2027.
The 15th state polls were held on March 12, 2022, with Barisan securing 40 of 56 seats, Pakatan Harapan won 12, Perikatan Nasional (three) and Muda (one). Of the 40 Barisan seats, Umno holds 33 seats, MCA (four) and MIC (three).
