Onn Hafiz: 'I will fight all the way to retain the Machap seat'

JOHOR caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has vowed to fight “all the way” to retain the Machap state seat after being drawn into a straight fight in the Johor state election.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman will face Pakatan Harapan (PH) newcomer Nur Hafiz Roslan, an Amanah Youth executive council member, after nominations closed at Dewan Muafakat Majlis Daerah Simpang Renggam today.

Returning officer Mohd Izzul Helmi confirmed the two-cornered contest after the nomination period ended at 10 am.

Speaking after filing his nomination papers, Onn Hafiz said no election should ever be taken lightly, stressing that BN’s campaign machinery would work tirelessly over the next two weeks to secure the people’s mandate.

“In an election, anything can happen. We will fight all the way to earn the support and votes of the people,” he said.

The Johor BN and Umno chief also described the nomination process across all 56 state seats as smooth and orderly, expressing hope that the campaign period would remain peaceful and respectful.

According to Onn Hafiz, reports from across the state showed nominations proceeded without major issues, and he urged all candidates to campaign in a healthy, disciplined and civil manner.

The Machap incumbent was also seen exchanging greetings with his uncle, Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, as well as Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, after he was officially confirmed as BN’s candidate.

Meanwhile, his challenger Nur Hafiz said taking on the Menteri Besar was a challenge he embraced with confidence.

The first-time state election candidate said PH would campaign on a platform focused on development initiatives tailored for Machap, while arguing that closer cooperation between the federal and state governments could accelerate Johor’s progress if voters gave the coalition the mandate.

He also dismissed suggestions that he was merely entering the race to provide competition, insisting his objective was to win the seat.

In the 2022 Johor state election, Onn Hafiz successfully defended Machap with a 6,543-vote majority in a four-cornered contest. - June 27, 2026