JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has never been too proud to work with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people, says caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Onn Hafiz said the state government had consistently worked alongside federal ministries and agencies for the people's welfare.
"We have never been too proud to cooperate, nor have we been arrogant in accepting views or assistance.
"However, we have principles, duty and responsibilities towards the Royal Institution and the well-being of Johoreans that must be protected.
"In fact, in many areas, the state government has complemented the efforts of federal ministries for the benefit of the people of Johor," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 16) night.
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He was responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks calling on the people of Johor not to choose leaders who are proud and unable to work with the Federal Government.
Onn Hafiz noted that every year, the state government provides assistance to teachers' rooms and schools, even though they are the responsibility of the Education Ministry.
"Every year, the state government also assists every Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, district police headquarters and military camp, even though these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry and the Defence Ministry.
"The Johor government also supports hospitals, clinics and public healthcare facilities, even though healthcare is the responsibility of the Health Ministry," he said.
Onn Hafiz also noted that when state revenue increases, the state government provides special financial assistance to all civil servants, including federal employees serving in Johor.
"We do so because, for the state government, what matters most is not which ministry or level of government is responsible, but whether the people of Johor benefit.
"It is not my intention to boast about or remind anyone of these efforts.
"However, I would humbly like to ask: In what way has the Johor state government failed to cooperate with, support or align itself with the Federal Government?" he added.
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Onn Hafiz also noted that the appointment of the mentri besar and state executive councillors was done with the consent of Johor Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
He also questioned whether Barisan Nasional's move to contest all state seats independently had led to perceptions that the state leadership was arrogant.
"Johor Barisan's decision to contest all 56 state seats is one that appears difficult for the Prime Minister to accept.
"Does my decision, together with the Barisan leadership's decision to uphold our principles and listen to the voice of the majority of Bangsa Johor, make me a 'proud' or 'arrogant' person?" he added.
