After several days of exchanging remarks on social media, caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Transport Minister Anthony Loke met in person on Monday, greeting each other with smiles and handshakes at a public event in Johor.
The two leaders attended the launch of the Southern Shuttle Service operations at Kulai Railway Station, where they were seen shaking hands and engaging in friendly conversation before delivering their respective speeches.
Loke arrived at the ministry-organised event at about 12.45pm, while Onn Hafiz reached the venue approximately five minutes later. Also in attendance were Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh and several DAP leaders.
Onn Hafiz stresses professionalism
In his opening remarks, Onn Hafiz welcomed Loke and his delegation to Johor, saying he had adjusted and reorganised his schedule after receiving short notice of the invitation.
He said that regardless of the circumstances, all parties should remain professional and responsible in carrying out their duties for the benefit of the public, particularly the people of Johor.
The cordial interaction at the event contrasted with the recent exchanges between the two leaders on social media concerning political cooperation and official engagements.
Disagreement over BN-DAP cooperation
The public disagreement began after Onn Hafiz said during a speech on June 7 that Johor Barisan Nasional would not cooperate with DAP if it formed the state government following the upcoming Johor state election.
The Johor BN chairman also stated that he would rather resign as menteri besar than serve in a state administration that included DAP.
On the same day, Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, responded by saying Onn Hafiz’s position differed from the reality of cooperation between BN and DAP at the federal level, noting that BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is frequently seated alongside him during official meetings.
Invitation leads to face-to-face meeting
Last Saturday, Loke invited Onn Hafiz to join him for the launch of the new KTM Komuter service held on Monday.
Onn Hafiz later said he appreciated finally receiving an invitation but claimed that no official letter had reached him, despite the working visit having been planned about a week earlier.
He also remarked that several of Loke’s previous project visits to Johor had proceeded without involving him or the relevant state executive councillors.
In response, Loke said he does not usually invite menteris besar to his working visits because he recognises that they have demanding schedules.
