JOHOR Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has expressed readiness to participate in the upcoming KTM Komuter project programme scheduled for next Tuesday, while highlighting what he described as a lack of formal engagement from the Ministry of Transport despite a public invitation issued by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
The issue has drawn attention to broader questions surrounding coordination between the Federal Government and the Johor administration on major transport and infrastructure projects, with Onn Hafiz emphasising that development initiatives should not be viewed through a partisan political lens.
Responding to Anthony Loke’s invitation, the Menteri Besar said he welcomed the gesture and viewed the KTM Komuter project as an initiative that directly benefits Johoreans rather than serving any political agenda.
“I do not have any problem attending and, God willing, I will make room in my schedule for the purpose.
“The implementation of this project is for the convenience of Bangsa Johor, not political cooperation. To me, official government affairs and political cooperation are two different matters,” he said in a statement.
However, Onn Hafiz noted that his office had yet to receive any formal invitation or detailed programme information from the ministry.
According to him, the invitation only came to his attention through media reports after it was announced during the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s Negeri Sembilan election machinery on Friday evening.
The Menteri Besar also pointed to several previous ministry programmes that he claimed were conducted without the involvement of the Johor state government despite their significance to the state.
Among the examples cited were visits to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, announcements relating to the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system, and site visits connected to the Segamat Electric Train Service project.
He further alleged that a working visit by the Transport Minister to the RTS Link project site in April proceeded without the participation of the Johor government, although several Johor DAP leaders were present.
While raising those concerns, Onn Hafiz stressed that the state government had consistently supported the KTM Komuter initiative and contributed resources to ensure its successful implementation.
He said the Johor government allocated RM700,000 for train beautification and wrapping works, while also assisting with feeder bus services at participating stations through the Johor Public Transport Corporation.
“The State Government has also coordinated the Johor Muafakat Bus routes and sponsored seats worth approximately RM9,000 for the comfort of passengers.
“This sharing is not intended to claim credit, but rather to inform the public that the Johor State Government has also contributed towards the success of this Federal Government initiative,” he said.
Onn Hafiz concluded by underscoring that development projects should never be regarded as the property of any political party, arguing instead that they are a shared responsibility entrusted to elected leaders and public officials.
He maintained that all parties must discharge that responsibility professionally to ensure that the benefits of development are delivered effectively to the people. - June 14, 2026
