PARIT SULONG: The state government will continue to have a professional relationship with the federal government despite its political differences, says caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He stressed that he has a responsibility to the people of Johor, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is responsible for about 33 million Malaysians.
“Even if he loses in Johor, he will continue with the services and will still need to help us,” he said during the gathering in Semerah here on Monday (July 6).
Onn Hafiz is believed to be referring to Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had earlier said that, whatever the outcome of the Johor elections, he would remain prime minister.
He added that any administration would require synergy between the federal and state governments.
“I do not see any political differences between the state and the federal government as a restraint.
“We can always have a professional relationship not just for Johor but for the country,” Onn Hafiz said, adding that Johor contributed substantially to the country’s economy.
He also stressed that this state election was not held to free former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“This is the kind of instigation done by the opposition to make people angry and have hatred. I am sure Bangsa Johor will not be taken in by such instigation.
“We have this election to give the mandate back to the people. It has nothing to do with Datuk Seri Najib,” he added.
Asked if such a narrative is played more intensely in the final days of the campaign, Onn Hafiz said, “The more it is played up, the more people will not believe it”.
He reminded young and first-time voters not to be influenced by the promises made by the opposition in 2018.
Among them are making the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) free as well as bringing down the petrol prices.
“I feel it is important for parents to educate their children about all this.
“Yes, they have to make their own decision, but we do not want them to be taken in by the instigations and empty promises,” he added.
On the campaign trail, Onn Hafiz said that he was happy that all party leaders were united to campaign in this election.
He added that the momentum was still good, not just in Semerah but around the whole state.
