JOHOR BARU: The law must be applied fairly and consistently to everyone, regardless of political affiliations, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic).
Responding to a question on corruption scandals involving politicians, he described what he viewed as recent developments as “political persecution” and “selective persecution”.
“If you want to prosecute anyone, you must be fair, and you must apply the law regardless of political parties. It must be consistent.
“In my opinion, what has been happening these past few months is political persecution. It is selective persecution, and I think that is not fair,” he added.
Onn Hafiz was speaking during a question-and-answer session at the International Young Future Leaders Summit 2026 (iFUTURE) organised by the Higher Education Ministry at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur recently.
A student representative from Kesatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya had asked the panellists for their views on corruption scandals involving politicians and what advice they would give young people preparing to become future leaders on speaking up against corruption.
The session also featured Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.
Onn Hafiz stressed that government institutions and agencies should not be used for political gain, saying that enforcement must be carried out impartially.
“No institution, no government agency should be used, should be weaponised for anyone’s political benefit,” he said.
He also highlighted integrity as a fundamental responsibility for leaders, particularly those entrusted with public office.
Reflecting on his responsibilities as a leader and his faith as a Muslim, Onn Hafiz said those who betrayed the trust placed in them through corruption or abuse of power would ultimately be held accountable.
“When you hold any responsibility, any amanah, it is entrusted to us.
“As a Muslim leader, if you betray that trust, whether through corruption or abuse of power, you might not answer today, but as a Muslim, I believe you will be answerable to God in the future,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said integrity was crucial to building a better Malaysia, emphasising the importance of upholding trust and accountability in leadership.
“So, I think in order to have a better Malaysia, integrity is very important for a better nation,” he said.
The summit, held between Oct 11 and Oct 13, brought together 1,231 student leaders from 20 local public universities and 30 international universities.
Of these, 406 were international student leaders from 53 countries, including China, Germany, the United States and Singapore.
