BN Johor vows to govern alone if it wins state election
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Barisan Nasional (BN) Johor stated it will not form a coalition government if it wins the state election.
- The coalition aims to govern Johor independently, maintaining its commitment to representing a multi-ethnic society.
- BN Johor chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi emphasized that the decision not to cooperate with DAP is based on ideological differences, not ethnic rejection.
Barisan Nasional (BN) Johor has declared it will not form any coalition government, even if it secures a majority in the upcoming Johor state election. The coalition's chairman, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, reaffirmed this firm stance, which has faced criticism and pressure since BN announced it would contest all 56 state seats independently. He stated that BN Johor remains committed to governing the state on its own, without forming alliances with any other political parties.
Ghazi addressed the criticism surrounding BN's decision not to cooperate with specific parties, particularly the Democratic Action Party (DAP). He clarified that this refusal to work with DAP should not be interpreted as a rejection of any particular ethnic group. "Not cooperating with DAP does not mean we reject any ethnic group because they are a political party. This decision is based on differences in approach and ideology," Ghazi explained during a speech at the Johor UMNO Office.
He emphasized that if the people continue to grant BN their mandate, the coalition will govern Johor independently. Ghazi also urged BN candidates to view their nominations as a trust and responsibility, not a privilege. He called on those not selected as candidates to remain united and support the BN election machinery. The coalition's unwavering position underscores its ambition to lead Johor without the complexities of coalition politics.
Not cooperating with DAP does not mean we reject any ethnic group because they are a political party. This decision is based on differences in approach and ideology.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.