JOHOR BARU: A rise in ‘Johor nationalism’ does not necessarily mean that Johor will cede from the federation of Malaysia.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, responding to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s views on the Bangsa Johor concept, said the concept of Bangsa Johor has been in existence since the 1920s.
The concept, he said, is part of the state's identity and fabric that has maintained unity among the races.
“I refer to Tun Dr Mahathir's statement on the rise of Johor nationalism and the concept of Bangsa Johor. I have a different stand and firmly oppose the statement. My stand is in line with the view of the Sultan of Johor about this matter.
"A rise in Johor nationalism, in any way is not meant to lead to an outcome where Johor becomes separate from the federation of Malaysia.
“Johor is a state that formed the federation of Malaysia and will continue to uphold its strong ties with the federal government," said Khaled in a statement today.
Dr Mahathir had said in a dialogue on Wednesday that the idea of Bangsa Johor raised by Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim could lead to a break up of the federation, and lead to residents of a state to feel they are superior over other states.
Khaled, meanwhile, said the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar had introduced the phrase ‘Bangsa Johor’ in 1920 before Merdeka, and it has ensured that unity and the spirit of muhibbah prevailed among the races.
"A united Bangsa Johor who are developed and live in harmony will not only make Johor and its people better, but will also make Malaysia and its people better. It will strengthen Malaysia as a federation. States that are strong with united communities will form a strong federation," said Khaled.