JOHOR Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has mounted a fierce defence of Barisan Nasional Johor's decision to contest all 56 state seats in the forthcoming state election, directly challenging criticism levelled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The state leader rejected any implication that the comprehensive electoral strategy represented political arrogance or a refusal to cooperate with Putrajaya, countering that the move was rooted in deep-seated political principle and the explicit desires of the local population.
The public disagreement follows comments made by the Prime Minister during a recent address in Muar, where Anwar urged the electorate to choose wise, principled and humble leaders who could work harmoniously with the Federal Government, a statement widely interpreted as a rebuke of the state ruling coalition's independent stance.
“The decision by Johor BN to contest all 56 state seats is a decision that is difficult for the Prime Minister to accept,” Onn Hafiz said.
“Does the decision by me and the BN leadership to stand by our principles and listen to the voice of the majority of ‘Bangsa Johor’ make me an arrogant person?”
Maintaining a conciliatory yet firm tone regarding federal-state relations, the Menteri Besar insisted he had never rebuffed cross-governmental collaboration, adding that he remained entirely receptive to advice and federal assistance that directly benefited the citizenry.
To demonstrate this ongoing synergy, the state leader highlighted substantial state spending on federal areas of responsibility, such as providing annual grants to schools, funding improvements at Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complexes, upgrading police and military facilities, and enhancing local healthcare institutions.
Moreover, when state revenue increases, the state government not only provides special financial assistance to state civil servants, but also appreciates Federal civil servants serving in Johor, he said, explaining that outcomes for the local populace took precedence over bureaucratic jurisdictions.
Onn Hafiz reminded critics that the appointments of the Johor Menteri Besar and the State Executive Council were subject to the consent of His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, placing a profound constitutional obligation on the leadership to protect the interests of both the Crown and the people.
Onn Hafiz added that his remarks were intended to clarify the historical record of cooperation rather than boast of regional achievements.
“With humility, I would like to ask, in what way has the Johor state government failed to cooperate with, support or align itself with the Federal Government?” - June 17, 2026
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