Johor MB 'touched' by DAP leader's invitation, but awaits official letter

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated he was 'touched' by an 'sincere' invitation from Transport Minister Anthony Loke to observe the implementation of the KTM Komuter project. Despite this sentiment, Onn Hafiz clarified that he has not yet received any official invitation or detailed program from the Ministry of Transport to represent the Johor state government.

Onn Hafiz mentioned that he learned about the invitation through media reports, specifically from a Pakatan Harapan election machinery launch event in Negeri Sembilan the previous night. He expressed his appreciation for the 'sincerity' of the invitation, noting it was significant that the Johor state government was finally invited, even though the program had been planned for over a week.

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I am still touched by the 'sincerity' of this invitation. At least, the Johor State Government is finally 'invited', even though this program has been planned for over a week.

He affirmed his willingness to attend and would adjust his schedule if possible, emphasizing that the project's implementation is for the benefit of Johor's residents, not a political collaboration. Onn Hafiz drew a distinction between official government matters and political cooperation. He recalled that state government officials, including Excos, were previously not invited to several Ministry of Transport programs in Johor, such as visits to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) and the ETS Segamat.

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Official government matters and political cooperation are two different things.

"Most recently, on April 3, during the Transport Minister's working visit to the RTS Link project site, the State Government was once again not invited. Yet, several Johor DAP leaders were seen attending the program," he questioned. He added that when he contacted the Ministry of Transport's top leadership, he was informed that the invitation only included vendors/suppliers, prompting him to ask if the DAP leaders present were indeed vendors or suppliers.

The state government had contributed RM700,000 for beautification and train wrapping to support the KTM Komuter project's goal of enhancing public transport in Johor. Additionally, at KTM's request, the Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ) agreed to provide feeder bus services at relevant stations and shuttle services, costing approximately RM86,000 in operational expenses. They also coordinated Johor Muafakat Bus routes and sponsored seats valued at about RM9,000 for passenger convenience.

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Most recently, on April 3, during the Transport Minister's working visit to the RTS Link project site, the State Government was once again not invited. Yet, several Johor DAP leaders were seen attending the program. When I contacted the Ministry of Transport's top leadership, I was informed that the invitation only included vendors/suppliers. Are these DAP leaders vendors/suppliers?

Onn Hafiz stressed that this contribution was not to 'claim credit' but to inform the public of the state government's role in the federal initiative. He stated that Johor is not just a recipient but also an active participant in the project's execution. He believes that development projects belong to no single political party, including DAP, but are a shared responsibility for all entrusted officials to implement professionally for the people's benefit.

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This collaboration is not intended to 'claim credit', but merely to inform that the Johor State Government also contributes to the success of the Federal Government's initiative. Johor does not just receive, but also helps implement.