JOHOR acting Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has refused to openly debate with Datuk Maszlee Malik, stressing that it would be an inappropriate approach.
He said open debates between candidates in the Johor State Election (PRN) could create an atmosphere of disharmony throughout the campaign period.
“The political culture in Johor has always prioritised manners, harmony and orderly debates over tongue-tied arguments on the open stage.
“This can be seen in the conduct of the Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sittings, which always take place in a controlled atmosphere and with mutual respect,” he said.
He said it was not a culture in Johor to argue or debate openly.
He pointed out that the situation in the state assembly had always been harmonious, orderly, and respectful.
“Sometimes when an open debate is held, it invites teams and supporters who are more emotional than the individuals debating themselves.
“So, for me, we have no problem; it’s just that in the context of this election, open debate is not the right thing to do,” he said.
Earlier, Maszlee, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Puteri Wangsa state assembly, had several times stated his willingness to openly debate with any party, especially Onn Hafiz, throughout the Johor PRN campaign period. – June 28, 2026
