Former MCA president Chua Soi Lek has defended Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s refusal to govern alongside DAP, describing the remark as a political statement made within the context of Barisan Nasional’s decision to contest the Johor election independently.
Onn Hafiz’s comments drew criticism from DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and political commentator Tajuddin Rasdi.
Tajuddin accused the Johor Barisan Nasional chief of displaying a “racist personality”, while Loke responded by pointing out that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sits beside him during weekly Cabinet meetings.
Statement linked to BN’s election strategy
Chua argued that Onn Hafiz’s remarks should not be viewed in isolation and must be understood within the broader political context.
According to him, the Johor leader was explaining Barisan Nasional’s intention to contest on its own based on feedback received from grassroots supporters.
“He is saying that BN is going solo because of the feedback from the grassroots. If we go solo and ultimately fail to secure a majority, we will not work with DAP and do not mind being in the opposition,” Chua told FMT.
“To me, the statement is important. What is more important is the context in which the statement was issued.”
Chua rejects claims of racism
Chua described Onn Hafiz as one of the most moderate Umno leaders he had encountered throughout his 18 years of involvement in Johor politics.
He said the Johor menteri besar was liberal, moderate and progressive in his approach, adding that he regularly engaged with people from different communities.
“He goes to the ground and reaches out to more races. I have never said, and I will never say, that he is a racist,” Chua said.
Federal and state politics are different
Responding to Loke’s criticism, Chua said it was inappropriate to compare the federal unity government arrangement with political dynamics in Johor.
He noted that following the general election, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan came together to form the federal government after a hung Parliament, following advice from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to ensure political stability and national harmony.
Chua also said the Cabinet seating arrangement cited by Loke was determined by protocol rather than personal preference.
“Zahid sitting next to the Prime Minister and the DAP secretary-general sitting next to Zahid is not by choice but by protocol and convention in the Cabinet arrangement,” he said.
He explained that convention dictates that the deputy prime minister sits to the right of the prime minister, while the leader of the main Chinese-based party occupies the adjacent seat.
Chua also argued that DAP should not portray itself as a multiracial party solely on the basis of having a small number of non-Chinese elected representatives.
He reiterated that Johor Barisan Nasional had chosen to seek a fresh mandate from voters on its own.
“In the end, if BN cannot secure a majority, BN Johor will not work with DAP. To me, that is nothing racist. It’s a political statement,” he said.
