Answer critics with your track record, Onn Hafiz told

Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz rejected Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s claims that his administration lacked cooperation with the federal government. Anwar had urged Johoreans to elect leaders who were wise, principled, and capable of working with Putrajaya, following Onn Hafiz’s earlier remark that he would prefer not to hold the menteri besar post if forced to collaborate with DAP. The Johor sultan’s formal appointment of Onn Hafiz and his state executive council remains a key point of defense. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia clarified that while the sultan’s consent is part of the constitutional process, political mandates are ultimately determined by elections. She cautioned that invoking the palace in political debates could invite unnecessary interpretations ahead of the July 11 state election. Onn Hafiz’s refusal to work with DAP has sparked a political feud, though he and DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook maintained professionalism during a recent meeting in Johor. Analysts suggest his stance may appeal to Umno’s core voters but risks portraying him as exclusionary. Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara noted that Johor’s political history complicates efforts to separate the palace from partisan politics. Onn Hafiz’s appointment in 2022 followed Barisan Nasional’s campaign with Hasni Mohammad as their candidate for menteri besar, adding context to his current stance. Azmi urged Onn Hafiz to focus on defending his administration’s track record and proving his ability to work professionally with the federal government. The exchange highlights tensions between electoral mandates and constitutional traditions in Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy. Onn Hafiz’s challenge now is to balance voter expectations with the need for cross-party cooperation, especially as the state election approaches.