PETALING JAYA: Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar has urged political leaders in Johor to refrain from portraying DAP as an enemy during election campaigns, warning that such “double-faced” politics could undermine public confidence in the state administration.
Mahfuz said Johor had benefited greatly from its close working relationship with the federal government and questioned why leaders and parties within Pakatan Harapan continued to be targeted by certain political figures in the state.
Criticism of anti-DAP rhetoric
“It is inappropriate for leaders to portray DAP as a threat during the election season when the same leaders have no problem working with the party on the state’s development, investments, infrastructure and government projects,” he said in a statement.
He added that if cooperation with DAP and Pakatan Harapan was beneficial to the people, leaders should be willing to acknowledge it openly.
“If cooperation with DAP and PH is considered beneficial to the people, then leaders must have the courage to acknowledge that.
“It is unfair to claim credit for these successes while continuing to stoke hatred against partners in the unity government for narrow political interests.”
Remarks during election machinery launch
Mahfuz’s comments came after Johor Barisan Nasional chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi said at the launch of the coalition’s election machinery in Iskandar Puteri on June 7 that he would rather not be menteri besar than “sit at the same table” with DAP in the state government.
Transport minister and DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook later responded by noting that he sits alongside Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during Cabinet meetings, reflecting the cooperation between DAP and Umno at the federal level.
Zahid also serves as deputy prime minister and rural and regional development minister.
Leaders seen putting differences aside
Despite the exchange of remarks, Onn Hafiz and Loke appeared to have set aside their differences when they met and shook hands yesterday during the launch of the KTM Komuter Selatan service at the Kulai railway station.
