Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi is likely to be retained as the menteri besar candidate for Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state election, according to analysts who cite his administrative track record and close relationship with the palace.
Hisommudin Bakar, the executive director of the Ilham Centre think tank, noted that Onn Hafiz has successfully navigated significant challenges since assuming office in 2022. He highlighted that Johor remains the only state governed without a unity government structure, operating without representatives from Pakatan Harapan in the state administration.
Economic milestones and political lineage
The analyst observed that Onn Hafiz, who is the grandson of former prime minister Hussein Onn, benefits from being free of political baggage. This follows calls from Amanah for the coalition to officially name Onn Hafiz as the poster boy for the state polls.
Hisommudin stated that the menteri besar meets the expectations of Johoreans regarding stable leadership, economic management, and the ability to attract development. Recent data released by the state government supports this view, showing a positive trajectory in economic growth and revenue.
The state revenue rose to approximately RM2.67 billion last year, up from less than RM2 billion when Onn Hafiz first took office. There is potential for this figure to exceed RM3 billion, which would mark the highest revenue in the history of the state. Furthermore, Johor recorded its highest-ever investment figure of RM110 billion last year.
Appeal to fence-sitters and young voters
While Onn Hafiz is seen as a major political asset for attracting fence-sitters, Hisommudin cautioned that Barisan Nasional must remain mindful that the final decision on the menteri besar appointment rests with the Sultan of Johor. This caution stems from the 2022 state election, where Hasni Mohammad was named the campaign poster boy, yet the palace ultimately appointed Onn Hafiz to the role.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara added that the public appears satisfied with the current administration’s performance and has noted the menteri besar’s rapport with the royal institution. He suggested that presenting the incumbent as the primary figure would ensure all parties within the coalition remain aligned.
A legacy of influential leadership
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia remarked that an open political approach has allowed Onn Hafiz to gain acceptance across diverse groups. He noted that the menteri besar carries a significant political legacy as the great-grandson of Umno founder Onn Jaafar and the grandson of Hussein Onn.
This influential family background, combined with his education and political conduct, is expected to help secure support from both fence-sitters and younger voters in the next electoral cycle.
