[UPDATED] What was ordered wasn’t what was delivered: Zahid on Johor MB fiasco

KUALA LUMPUR – Has Datuk Hasni Mohammad always been Umno’s first and only choice for Johor menteri besar? 

This appears to be the case, going by the snide remarks made by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a thinly veiled message during his policy speech at Umno’s general assembly today, Zahid appears to have indicated that Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, despite being appointed to the state’s top post, was not the party’s pick.

Speaking before thousands of delegates at the Umno headquarters here, the party president, while expressing his gratitude to members who have contributed to the party’s win in the Melaka and Johor elections, gave special recognition to Hasni.

“I would like to offer my special gratitude to the Umno Johor liaison chief (Hasni),” he said to a standing ovation from the crowd.

“Although we ordered one item online, the item that arrived was different. Despite this, he (Hasni) will always be the pride of Umno.”

While not making any direct reference, his remark about the menteri besar appears to insinuate that the appointment of Onn Hafiz was beyond the party’s control.

Before and during the campaigning period in Johor, Umno leaders have, on several occasions, confirmed that Hasni would continue to lead the state if the party wins the polls as its “poster boy”.

However, much to the surprise of many, 43-year-old Onn Hafiz, the grandson of the late former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn, was instead appointed to helm the Johor government on March 15. 

Speculation arose on how his appointment had to do with the cordial relationship Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim shares with Onn Hafiz during the latter’s time as state youth and sports exco.

It is also understood that some within the state palace were not too pleased with Hasni’s decision to hold off the new sea reclamation project off the coast of Muar.

Zahid, nonetheless, congratulated Onn Hafiz on his appointment as the new menteri besar, but reminded state leaders not to take lightly the mandate given by the rakyat ahead of an impending general election.

Umno behind Ismail Sabri

In his lengthy address to delegates, Zahid also appears to rubbish claims of factionalism within Umno – one supposedly led by him and Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and one with other cabinet members – and called for unity. 

Noting Umno’s revival in states like Perak, Melaka, and Johor, he reminded party members of the importance of not having camps within the political organisation. 

“There is no faction in Umno. If there are, there is only one, which is the Umno faction.”

Zahid also gave a free hand to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to do what is necessary and best for the government, and that the party is firmly behind him. 

“Ismail, take care of the government. We will support our prime minister. God willing, I and Tok Mat (deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) and the others will take care of the party. 

“We will strengthen the party, and Ismail Sabri will strengthen the government. We will walk hand-in-hand, the government and party must walk together.”

Prior to his speech today, talks of factions within Umno have grown, with many alleging that Ismail Sabri’s position is being threatened by his party’s top leadership. – The Vibes, March 18, 2022