PM, party leaders clap back at caretaker Johor MB over anti-DAP remarks

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and DAP leaders have clapped back at caretaker Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi's remarks that he would rather not hold office than sit at the same table as the party.

In a speech at the Communications Ministry today, Anwar - without naming Onn - quipped that the latter had no issue sitting next to Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching, who is also the deputy communications minister.

There is at least one photo of Onn and Teo meeting together in their political capacities in October 2024.

Anwar, in his speech, also said that leaders change but policies remain; thus, whoever becomes a partner in government must represent all Malaysians.

“Therefore, it is quite arrogant and snobbish for us to make a decision that denies the rights of any race or party from joining and becoming part of a coalition government," he said, adding that he hoped such excessive remarks are recognised as a mistake that should be corrected.

Caretaker Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi

Last night, Teo also took a dig at Onn, sarcastically calling the latter the "most principled person" for refusing to sit with DAP, but having no problem standing with them during the Mahkota by-election in 2024.

Separately, DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming claimed that Onn had begged DAP to help campaign for the BN candidate in Mahkota.

"But now his arrogance and snobbishness are very regrettable. This is not Malay culture," Nga posted on X last night.

During the Mahkota campaign, Onn had, among others, shared a stage with Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi, where he asked her to translate his speech into Mandarin for the local Chinese audience.

While BN had won the by-election, critics - including from BN - noted that less than 50 percent of Chinese voters in Mahkota cast their ballots.

More jabs

On Facebook last night, an aide to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo posted several photos of Onn meeting with the DAP chairperson in their government capacities during a meeting last October.

"Is that not you shaking hands and discussing courteously with the DAP chairperson?

"Is that also not you who brought souvenirs and held a discussion in conjunction with the Asea AI summit at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre?

"Which should Johoreans trust? These pictures, or the statement you made," Mandeep Singh posted yesterday.

In another statement, Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee questioned whether Onn felt superior to other Umno and BN leaders who are working with DAP, such as Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad and other federal ministers, including BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir. - Mkini