JOHOR Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has refused to cooperate with DAP and is willing to relinquish the Menteri Besar position if that happens after the Johor State Election (PRN).
He said that the political reality in the state is different at the Federal level when cooperation between BN, especially Umno and DAP has never been established.
"When the state government is re-established, if the people give the mandate to BN to lead again, we will never be with DAP in the state government.
"I would rather not hold the position of Menteri Besar than have to sit at the table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, Bangsa Johor," he said.
The Johor Menteri Besar said that the stance was not driven by racial sentiments as claimed by some quarters.
On the contrary, he said, the multi-racial community in Johor lives as one family under the Bangsa Johor identity.
"The BN machinery must continue to provide explanations to the people so that the confusion caused by irresponsible parties can be broken.
"BN Johor has never sat at the table with DAP.
"The one I remember sitting at the table with DAP is the Menteri Besar from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), so please remind them," he added.
Onn Hafiz also explained that the decision to dissolve the Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) last Monday was made after taking into account various factors, including the welfare of the people and the stability of the state administration.
According to him, the suitable period to hold elections is increasingly limited given that Ramadan and Aidilfitri will take place in February and March next year, in addition to the monsoon season that occurs between November and January.
"People outside may not know because they are not used to coming to Johor.
"Added to this is the geopolitical situation in West Asia, the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, we need a more stable state government to ensure that Johor continues to move forward," he said.
Onn Hafiz, who is also the Johor PRN Operations Director, said that BN is targeting a victory with a larger majority than that achieved in the 2022 PRN.
"I want to ensure that the momentum of BN Johor's victory can continue. not only win, but win with a more impressive majority.
"I know that this matter will not come rolling, we need to continue to try to accommodate the people from all races in this state," he said. – June 7, 2026
