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PASIR GUDANG – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's statement that he would not sit at the same table as DAP is merely a political narrative aimed at winning the support of Malay voters ahead of the 16th Johor state election, according to Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Mohamad, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) deputy chairman, claimed the stance was inconsistent with the reality that Umno continues to work with DAP in coalition governments in several states, including Pahang and Perak.
He said DAP also plays a role in supporting the Umno-led state government in Pahang, proving that such cooperation is not out of the ordinary.
"The people of Johor are being misled. Onn Hafiz says that even if he does not become Menteri Besar because of working with DAP, that is acceptable.
"But DAP is acceptable in Pahang, where the Umno Menteri Besar is able to lead the state with DAP's support," he said during the Jelajah Johor Ke Depan: Undi Harapan PRN Johor programme held at the Jiason Supermarket grounds in Masai here on Sunday.
Also present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Amanah vice-president Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli.
Mohamad said that if DAP was truly unacceptable as a political partner, the party would have withdrawn its support for the state governments in Pahang and Perak.
"So the Johor Menteri Besar is misleading you. It is a political strategy to win Malay votes, as though the Chinese community and the people of Johor are not discerning.
"DAP is acceptable in Melaka, where it can have state executive councillors while the Chief Minister is from Umno. This shows that racial issues are sometimes exploited for votes rather than driven by integrity.
"Within PH, cooperation between component parties is not an issue. DAP has fielded a Malay candidate for the Tiram state seat, while Amanah is fielding a Chinese candidate in Permas," he said.
