Coalition govt? That’s off the table

In high spirits: Onn Hafiz (seventh from left) and Wee (sixth from left) cheering on the 56 candidates contesting in the state polls alongside other Barisan leaders during the candidate naming ceremony at the Johor Umno office in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: Johor Barisan Nasional will not form a coalition government with any other poli­tical party if it wins the state election, says its chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The caretaker Mentri Besar said Barisan’s position remains firm despite criticism and pressure it has faced since announ­cing on May 16 that the state coalition would contest all 56 state seats in the upcoming election.

He stressed 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 at the announcement of Johor Barisan candidates for the 16th Johor state election.

He urged Johoreans to judge them based on their work and performance and for the state’s future.

He also reminded Barisan candidates that their nominations are not rewards or privileges but a major responsibility and trust bestowed upon them.

Addressing party members who were not selected to contest, Onn Hafiz appealed for unity and urged them to continue suppor­ting Barisan’s campaign, saying the struggle is bigger than any individual or position.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said seven out of the 15 candidates were young people from MCA’s youth and Beliawanis wings.

“Be humble, work hard. Every seat is not easy in view of the dynamic of politics today with so many parties interested to contest.

“You may not be able to predict the voting pattern,” said Dr Wee, who is MCA president.

Meanwhile, MIC vice-president Datuk M. Asojan urged voters to focus on choosing a government rather than individual candidates.

Calling on the public to support Barisan on polling day, Asojan said the coalition’s track record of governing Johor and addressing the needs of various communities should be the key consideration for voters.

“The Indian community in this state had benefited from a number of initiatives implemented under the leadership of Datuk Onn Hafiz, including efforts to resolve longstanding issues involving non-Muslim places of worship, Tamil schools and community facilities,” he added.