JOHOR BARU: Johor Barisan Nasional will not form a coalition government with any other political party if it retains power after the state election, says its chairman, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The caretaker Mentri Besar stressed that the coalition’s position remained firm despite the criticism and pressure it had faced since announcing on May 16 that Johor Barisan would contest all 56 state seats in the upcoming election.
Speaking at the announcement of Barisan’s candidates for the 15th Johor state election, he said the coalition had been subjected to attacks and accusations for its decision not to cooperate with certain political parties.
He also reiterated that Barisan’s refusal to work with DAP should not be interpreted as a rejection of any community, saying the coalition remained committed to representing Johor’s multiracial population.
“Not cooperating with DAP does not mean we reject any race because they are a political party. Our decision is based on differences in approach and ideology,” he said in his speech at Johor Umno office here on Wednesday (June 24).
Onn Hafiz said that if voters continued to place their trust in Barisan, the coalition would govern Johor independently and would not enter into any coalition arrangement with other political parties in the state.
He also urged Barisan candidates to view their nominations as a responsibility rather than a privilege, while appealing to those not selected to remain united behind the coalition’s election campaign.
Onn Hafiz called on Johoreans to judge Barisan based on its track record, achievements and plans for the future, adding that the coalition would continue working to advance the Maju Johor 2030 agenda and deliver a stable government for the state.
