[UPDATED] Onn Hafiz sworn in as Johor MB

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been sworn in as the menteri besar of the state after receiving the consent of Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Machap assemblyman was sworn in during a ceremony that took place in Istana Bukit Serene sometime between 3pm and 3.30pm this afternoon.

Meanwhile, on his official Facebook profile, Sultan Ibrahim confirmed Onn Hafiz’s appointment as Johor’s 19th menteri besar.

The ceremony, he said, was witnessed by Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Johor Umno state chief Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

“Datuk Onn Hafiz had received his appointment letter and swore in for the post during a letter of appointment submission and Johor menteri besar appointment declaration ceremony that took place at the audience hall of Istana Bukit Serene.”

Sultan Ibrahim said Onn Hafiz had previously held the state’s Tourism, Youth, and Sports portfolio and was active in youth movements.

During the Johor polls on March 12, Onn Hafiz had defeated three candidates for the Machap seat, with a majority of 11,029 votes.

The 43-year-old is also the grandson of the late former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn and nephew of current Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Besides Onn Hafiz, another name rumoured to be in the running for the menteri besar title was Umno Supreme Council member and Rengit assemblyman Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi. 

Last night, former Johor menteri besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad had reportedly called on the top leadership of Barisan Nasional (BN) to opt for a younger individual to lead the state following the coalition’s victory in the state polls on Saturday. 

In the statement which made the rounds on social media, the Benut assemblyman and Johor BN chairman reasoned that his suggestion is in light of the vital support provided by young people in the development of the state. 

BN managed to capture Johor in a landslide victory, winning the state election with a more than two-thirds majority, sweeping 40 of the 56 seats up for grabs. – The Vibes, March 15, 2022