Johor BN chairman says coalition will govern independently if given mandate, ruling out any post-election alliances.
PETALING JAYA: Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) today declared that it will not form a coalition with any other political party in the state, as its chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi unveiled the coalition’s candidates for the Johor state election.
Onn Hafiz said the decision was made after careful deliberation and with the approval of BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“After carefully reviewing each candidate in detail, and after obtaining the mandate and approval of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, I declare that Johor BN will not form a coalition with any other political party in this state,” he said at Bangunan Umno Johor before announcing BN’s slate for the coming state election in Johor.
The announcement comes amid online speculation and political chatter alleging that BN had been in discussions or considering post-election cooperation with other parties, including PAS and Wawasan.
Onn Hafiz said BN had been subjected to “slander, accusations and labels” since taking its position to continue leading Johor and seek a renewed mandate from the people.
He stressed that BN’s stance was not driven by race, but by political ideology and differences in approach.
“Not cooperating with other parties, especially DAP, does not mean we reject any race, because DAP is merely a political party.
“Our decision not to work with them is based on differences in ideology and approach, not because of race,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said BN Johor had faced sustained criticism since announcing its intention to contest all 56 state seats following the dissolution of the state assembly on June 1.
He added that BN had been unfairly portrayed as “the enemy or the source of every problem”, despite its stated commitment to continue leading Johor and seeking a renewed mandate.
Onn Hafiz urged voters to judge BN based on its track record and future plans, particularly its development agenda under Maju Johor 2030.
“To all Bangsa Johor, judge us based on our work, our achievements and our plans for the future,” he said.
He also reminded candidates that their nominations carried responsibility rather than privilege.
“This nomination is neither a gift nor a privilege. It is a trust and a very great responsibility,” he said, urging them to campaign with discipline, decorum and wisdom.
For those not selected, he called for continued unity within the coalition.
“Our struggle is bigger than any individual or position. The candidate who contests may be one, but the one who must win is all of us, the entire Barisan Nasional team,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said BN would continue to offer Johor a stable and clear government capable of delivering its development agenda.
He added that the coalition remained committed to working tirelessly to develop Johor and urged supporters to move forward together as one team.
“Let us close ranks and move forward together as one team,” he said.
The Johor election enters its final stretch as political parties prepare for nomination day next Saturday, followed by early voting on July 7 and polling on July 11.
