Will federal and Johor state leaders cooperate despite past spat?

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Federal and Johor Leaders Engage Amidst Political Exchanges and Upcoming State Election

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi met at the launch of the Shuttle Selatan service in Kulai, an event that followed public exchanges concerning political cooperation and federal-state relations. This meeting occurred shortly before the Johor state election, scheduled with polling on July 11.
Leaders Attend Shuttle Selatan Service Launch

The meeting between Minister Loke and Datuk Onn Hafiz took place at the Kulai Railway Station during the launch of the Shuttle Selatan service. Minister Loke, who is also the DAP secretary-general, arrived at the event, with Datuk Onn Hafiz, the Johor Barisan Nasional chairman, arriving a few minutes later. The event was also attended by the Johor state executive councillor for Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
Public Statements Preceded Meeting

The engagement between the two leaders came after Onn Hafiz had previously stated at a Barisan Nasional machinery launch on June 7 in Iskandar Puteri that he would not collaborate with DAP in the Johor polls. He had further indicated a preference to relinquish the menteri besar post rather than share a platform with DAP. In response, Loke had articulated that DAP does not consider any party an adversary and remains open to cooperative efforts with other political entities.
Invitation and Response Regarding Event Participation

Following his public remarks, Loke extended an invitation to Onn Hafiz to join him on the KTM Komuter Selatan train journey from Kulai to Johor Baru. Loke also indicated that a formal invitation letter would be dispatched to Onn Hafiz, who would be afforded an opportunity to speak at the event. Onn Hafiz later commented that he was touched by the invitation but noted that he had not yet received an official letter, adding that previous transport-related visits by Loke to Johor had not involved him or the relevant state committee member.
Context of Johor State Election

This interaction between federal and state leaders unfolds in the lead-up to the Johor state election. The election has a nomination day set for June 27 and early voting on July 7, with the main polling day on July 11. Notably, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are expected to be political rivals in this state election, despite their roles as partners within the federal unity government.

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Will federal and Johor state leaders cooperate despite past spat?

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