Stop making DAP the enemy, says Amanah leader

PETALING JAYA: Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar has reminded Johor political leaders not to portray DAP as the enemy during election campaigns, saying such “double-faced” politics will only undermine public confidence in the state’s administration.

Mahfuz said Johor has benefitted significantly from its close cooperation with the federal government, and questioned why leaders and parties in Pakatan Harapan continue to be targeted by other leaders in the state.

“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 (other) government projects,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

At the launch of Barisan Nasional’s election machinery in Iskandar Puteri on June 7, Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi said 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 responded by pointing out that he sits alongside Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Cabinet meetings, reflecting the close cooperation between DAP and Umno at the federal level.

Zahid is also the deputy prime minister as well as the rural and regional development minister.

However, Onn Hafiz and Loke appeared to have put their differences aside yesterday when they met and shook hands at the launch of the KTM Komuter Selatan service at the Kulai railway station.