Onn Hafiz denies early Johor polls to maximise BN’s advantage

PETALING JAYA: Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has denied that the early dissolution of the state assembly was driven by the goal of maximising Barisan Nasional’s (BN) advantage in the state polls.

The Johor BN chairman said holding the state election any later would mean clashing with important dates, adding that his administration’s priority was the welfare of the people, Harian Metro reported.

“We have already looked at next year’s schedule. We will be fasting and then celebrating Aidilfitri in March and April. And in Johor, it is common for celebrations to continue beyond the usual period.

“In February, there’s Chinese New Year. In November and December (this year), and next January, it is usually the monsoon season, and that is also when the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations are held,” he was quoted as saying.

The state Umno chief said the suitable window to dissolve the state assembly and pave the way for fresh polls was therefore limited to the period between now and October.

“Now we all know that the country and the world are facing a global crisis. What is happening in West Asia, the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere has a major impact on the national economy and on Johor as well.

“When this matter was brought to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is also the Sultan of Johor, and the Regent of Johor, they stressed that we need to obtain the people’s mandate as soon as possible.

“This is so that we can form a stable government and face the crisis and uncertain global economic conditions. With the world full of uncertainties, Johor must ensure stability,” Onn Hafiz said.

The Machap assemblyman dismissed suggestions that divisions within Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), particularly PKR, were among his considerations.

“Whether it gives us an advantage or not, that was never part of the consideration. Our consideration is to put Johor first,” he said.

BN formed the state government after winning 40 of the 56 seats in the last state polls in March 2022. PH won 12 seats while PN secured three, and Muda one.