PKR again reminds Umno poster boy may not become MB

PETALING JAYA: PKR has again reminded Umno that a “poster boy” is not necessarily the person who will become menteri besar, pointing to Barisan Nasional’s experience in the 2022 Johor state election.

PKR Youth vice-chief Nabil Halimi noted that BN had then promoted Hasni Mohammad as its menteri besar candidate, with its campaign centred on his performance in the role, but it was Onn Hafiz Ghazi who eventually became menteri besar.

“That is why I agree with (Johor PKR chief) Dr Zaliha Mustafa that this state election is not simply about who becomes menteri besar, but about which team is best equipped with the plans to elevate Johor economically and socially,” he said in a statement.

He was responding to Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros, who today said that voters deserve to know who a party or coalition is putting forward as its menteri besar candidate.

Noor Azleen said the people deserve to know that the person, whom he described as an “economic CEO”, has the credibility, experience and capability to govern a state as large and as important as Johor.

Onn Hafiz, who is the current state BN chief, had recently challenged PH to name its “poster boy” for the election. He said voters have a right to know who PH would propose as its menteri besar candidate.

However, he also said that being a poster boy did not guarantee appointment as menteri besar, as royal consent was crucial in determining who would lead the state government.

PKR vice-president Dr Zaliha Mustafa questioned Onn Hafiz’s stance, and said he need not fret over PH’s choice as the coalition have many capable leaders who could take charge.

Political analyst Mazlan Ali said that while unveiling a poster boy could show PH’s seriousness about leading the state government, it could also backfire if the person does not eventually become the menteri besar.

Nabil highlighted PH’s role in strengthening Johor’s position as a leading investment destination through initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the revival of Forest City.

“We are able to offer a fresher, more progressive and forward-looking state government that can drive prosperity across Johor’s economy.”