JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government has never been too proud to work with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic).
He said the state government has consistently worked alongside federal ministries and agencies to protect 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 post on social media on Tuesday night.
Onn Hafiz 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.
He said the state government provides assistance annually to schools, despite education falling under the responsibility of the Education Ministry.
“Every year, the state government also assists every Customs, Immigration and Quarantine 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 added.
Onn Hafiz also noted that when state revenue increases, the state government provides special financial assistance to all civil servants, including federal civil servants 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 said.
Onn Hafiz also noted that the appointments of the Mentri Besar and state executive councillors were made with the consent of the Johor Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
He wondered if Barisan Nasional’s plan 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 asked.
