JOHOR BARU: National issues, particularly those involving leaders from outside Johor, should be resolved at the national level rather than being brought into the local campaign for the Mahkota by-election.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this is because such issues are inappropriate and could jeopardise the harmony of the community in the state.

"We have taken a long time, even decades, to unite, and this unity can be shattered overnight," he said.

"If we don't maintain harmony, it can collapse in an instant, resulting in losses for all parties and the country will become unstable and filled with conflict," he said in a press conference at his official residence yesterday.

He said different opinions among leaders are normal in a multicultural society.

"As Johoreans, we always prioritise unity; matters raised by national leaders should remain national issues.

"We have a clear vision and direction to develop the state, the Mahkota constituency, and the Kluang district," he said.

Onn Hafiz, who is also the Barisan Nasional election director, said the leaders trying to stir up conflict were nothing more than seasonal leaders.

"I want to inform the public that these are seasonal leaders who come to create conflict, spread slander, and then return to their own constituencies.

"I urge the public not to be misled by these irresponsible provocations," he said.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had last week challenged Onn Hafiz to announce the formation of a unity government in the state if Barisan Nasional (BN) wins the Mahkota by-election.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1110505/onn-hafiz-keep-national-issues-out-mahkota-campaign