How has Johor govt been uncooperative with Putrajaya, Onn Hafiz asks

 The menteri besar hits back at the prime minister's claim of arrogance and defends his administration's cooperation with the federal government.

Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state has consistently worked with the federal government and has never been arrogant in its cooperation with Putrajaya. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has rejected suggestions that the state government has not been cooperative with Putrajaya.

In a Facebook post late last night, Onn Hafiz said neither he nor the state leadership had ever been arrogant in cooperating.

He also denied that they had been too proud to accept views or assistance from the federal administration.

He said the state government frequently complemented federal efforts across key sectors, including education, security, and healthcare, even in areas outside the state’s jurisdiction.

He said the state annually assists schools and teachers, and contributes to facilities such as customs, immigration and quarantine complexes, police headquarters, and military camps.

He said the Johor government also supports hospitals, clinics, and public health facilities, and provides financial assistance to both federal and state civil servants when revenues increase.

“We do this because, for the state government, what matters most is not which ministry or government is responsible, but whether the people of Johor benefit,” he said.

“It is not my intention to boast or take pride in these matters. But I humbly ask: in what way has the Johor state government been said to not cooperate, not support, or not be aligned with the federal government?”

Onn Hafiz was responding to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who, at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) ceramah in Muar on Monday night, urged Johor voters to choose state leaders who are intelligent, humble, and aligned with the federal government.

Anwar, the PH chairman, said Johor should not be led by those who are confrontational or difficult to work with.

Onn Hafiz also appeared to take a dig at Anwar, saying the prime minister seemed to have difficulty accepting Barisan Nasional’s decision to contest all 56 seats in Johor.

“Does my decision and the BN leadership’s choice to stand by our principles and listen to the majority of the ‘Bangsa Johor’ make me an ‘arrogant’ person?” he said. - FMT