KULAI: Barisan Nasional is unlikely to repeat its move of replacing its state election poster boy after the polls, says former Johor mentri besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (pic).
Hasni, the incumbent Benut assemblyman, said he is confident in caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's ability as the coalition's poster boy to deliver another victory.
"I think he (Onn Hafiz) can bring more than 40 (seats).
"The important thing is not to repeat the situation of ordering one thing but receiving another when it comes to the poster boy.
"We learn from experience, and I am confident that it will not happen again," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Johor Tech Smart City grand launch on Friday (June 12).
Hasni, who is also Simpang Renggam MP, had been asked if Onn Hafiz's role as Barisan's poster boy could help the coalition repeat its previous election performance of winning 40 seats.
He added that Onn Hafiz has shown great confidence in leading Johor Barisan and the caretaker state government.
"The burden rests (heavily) on him, yet he has shown great confidence.
"He has shown readiness to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
"His statements and speeches reflect that confidence. Therefore, it is only right for leaders at all levels to give their full support," he said.
On June 2, Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reportedly named Onn Hafiz as the coalition's poster boy for the upcoming state election.
Johor's state assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for the 16th state election.
Johor last held a state election on March 12, 2022, in which Barisan Nasional secured a two-thirds majority after winning 40 of the 56 seats.
Pakatan Harapan won 13 seats, while Perikatan Nasional took three and Muda won one.
Hasni, the mentri besar before the 2022 state election, was previously Barisan's poster boy.
