PARIT SULONG: The state government will continue to have a professional relationship with the federal government despite their political differences, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He stressed that he has a responsibility for the people of Johor, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was responsible for 33 million Malaysians.
Onn Hafiz is believed to be addressing earlier remarks by Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan chairman, who stated that he would remain Prime Minister regardless of the Johor election outcome.
He added that any administration requires synergy between the federal and state governments.
“I do not see any political differences between the state and the federal government as a constraint.
“We can always have a professional relationship not just for Johor but the country,” he said, adding that Johor contributed substantially to the country’s economy.
He also stressed that this state election is not held to free former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“This is the kind of instigation used by the opposition to stoke anger and hatred. I am sure the people of Johor will not be taken in by it.
“We have this election to give the mandate back to the people. It has nothing to do with Najib,” said Onn Hafiz.
Asked if such a narrative will be played more intensely in the final few days of campaigning, he said: “The more it is played up, the more people will not believe it”.
Onn Hafiz added that it has always been the opposition’s strategy to instigate and make big promises.
“If it is like this, then better continue to remain as the opposition,” he said as he implored young and first-time voters not to be influenced by the promises made by the opposition in 2018.
These included making the National Higher Education Fund free and lowering 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 such instigations and empty promises,” he said.
On the campaign trail, Onn Hafiz said that he was happy that all party leaders were united to campaign in the election, adding that the momentum is good not just in Semerah, but around the whole state.
