Onn Hafiz denies arrogance, racism in DAP stance

Johor menteri besar says his stand has been mischaracterised by critics.

In a statement today, Onn Hafiz said his stand had been mischaracterised by critics following his declaration that DAP would not be part of a BN-led Johor government should the coalition retain power in the next state election.

Onn Hafiz also said he was duty-bound to respect the wishes of party members and grassroots supporters who wanted BN to contest the 2026 Johor state election on its own.

“This is not a matter of arrogance. Nor is it a matter of race. It is a matter of principle… and (BN’s) responsibility to Bangsa Johor,” he said.

His statement follows criticism from political commentator Tajuddin Rasdi, who accused Onn Hafiz of displaying a “racist personality” after the Johor BN chief said he would rather forgo the menteri besar’s post than sit at the same table as DAP.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook also mocked Onn Hafiz’s position, pointing out that BN and DAP leaders currently sit together in the federal Cabinet under the unity government.

Responding to the criticism, Onn Hafiz said the political realities at the federal and state levels were different.

He said BN’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level arose from the political situation after the 15th general election (GE15), where no coalition secured a simple majority.

“The situation in Johor is different. In Johor, BN has been given a clear mandate by the people,” he said.

“We have formed a stable state government, we have proven our performance, and we have a responsibility to continue this work without being disrupted by political manoeuvring that could undermine the state’s stability.”

PH won 82 seats in GE15, followed by Perikatan Nasional (74), BN (30), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (23), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (six), and Warisan (three).

On the advice of then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, BN agreed to form the current government with PH and the East Malaysian coalitions, a move initially met with resistance by certain sections in BN.