KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's appointment as Barisan Nasional's (BN) Mahkota by-election director has garnered support from leaders across both BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH), largely due to his popularity among voters in the state.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi praised the appointment, saying that Onn Hafiz had been active in engaging with the community through various visits and programmes.
"Onn Hafiz's hands-on, caring, innovative, and youthful approach will be an asset in securing a BN victory in the Mahkota by-election," he told the New Straits Times.
He also said that Onn Hafiz's non-controversial, clean image would further benefit BN, adding that his prior experience in leading successful campaigns in Pulai and Simpang Jeram underscored his capability.
Pulai MP Suhaizan Kayat said that Onn Hafiz's strong commitment during the Pulai by-election last year, facilitated smooth coordination and built confidence between PH and BN.
Meanwhile, Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said that Onn Hafiz's role as Menteri Besar would aid in crafting a suitable by-election narrative that reflects the local context.
"At the federal level, DAP has committed to supporting the unity government. We will extend the same support to the Mahkota by-election," he said.
On Sunday, Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced Onn Hafiz, who is Johor Umno liaison chief, as Mahkota by-election director, with Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan as his deputy.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin was appointed as BN operations room chief, while former Mahkota state assemblyman and Kluang Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Jais Sardy as operations director.
The by-election for the seat was called following the death of the previous assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain died on Aug 2 due to internal bleeding at Enche' Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang, Johor.
In the 2022 Johor state election, she secured the Mahkota seat with a majority of 5,166 votes in a four-way contest.
The Election Commission has scheduled Sept 14 for nomination day and the polling day is set on Sept 28.