Mahkota by-election: 'Reject emotion-driven boycott' - Johor MB

KLUANG – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has called on Chinese voters in the Mahkota constituency to set aside emotions that could influence their support for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah in the upcoming by-election this Saturday.

Onn Hafiz stressed that backing the BN candidate would project a positive image to potential investors and reinforce the state’s stability, crucial for driving economic development and fostering partnerships with foreign investors.

"I'm saddened when the media asks about Chinese voters boycotting the BN candidate... because the message that will be conveyed to investors is that Johor is unstable, not welcoming, and not a place to invest.

"However, in our hearts, we all want to develop Johor’s economy.

"Most of the people in this hall are business owners, association leaders, temple heads, and influential community figures.

"I appeal to all of you, don’t be swayed by social media sentiment; we need to be more rational," he said during a meeting with the Kluang Chinese Business Association and the local Chinese community today.

Onn Hafiz, who is also Barisan's Mahkota by-election director said that he understood that many decisions are made emotionally, but now is the time to be emotional for the good of Johor.

"Let’s unite and work together to develop the state,” he added.

Earlier, Kluang Member of Parliament Wong Shu Qi revealed that anonymous leaflets had been distributed in Chinese-majority areas, urging voters not to support BN in the Mahkota by-election, accusing Umno of arrogance and calling for a boycott to "teach them a lesson."

In an interview with a Chinese-language daily, Onn Hafiz expressed disappointment over the alleged boycott movement, stating that it would unfairly punish his administration, which has been committed to advancing the state’s progress while considering the interests of all communities.

The Mahkota by-election, held following the death of incumbent Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2, is a straight fight between BN candidate Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional candidate Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Sept 28 as polling day, while early voting takes place tomorrow.