Zahid Credits Johor Sultan’s Choice of Onn Hafiz as a Successful Leadership Decision
KOTA TINGGI, July 2 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the appointment of Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi as Johor Menteri Besar, describing the decision as one that has delivered positive results for the state despite initial expectations that another Barisan Nasional (BN) leader would assume the post.
Speaking at the 2025 KEJORA Excellent Service Awards, Legacy Appreciation and Sentuhan Kasih ceremony in Desaru, Ahmad Zahid said the leadership decision made by the then Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim, has proven its value through Johor’s continued development.
He noted that although former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ir Hasni Mohammad had been introduced as BN’s “poster boy” during the 2022 Johor state election campaign, the eventual appointment of Onn Hafiz demonstrated that leadership choices should ultimately be judged by performance.
To illustrate his point, Ahmad Zahid used an analogy drawn from online shopping, saying that outcomes can sometimes exceed original expectations.
“Sometimes when people shop online, they receive something different from what they ordered. But occasionally, the item that arrives turns out to be even better than expected,” he said.
“That is why I believe His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim made the right decision in selecting Onn Hafiz.”
Onn Hafiz, who serves as UMNO Simpang Renggam deputy division chief, succeeded Hasni as Johor’s 19th Menteri Besar following the 2022 state election after winning the Machap state seat.
Ahmad Zahid said the state’s progress since then reflects the importance of selecting capable leadership based on the needs of the people rather than solely on political expectations.
Earlier in his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, jokingly reminded members of the media to accurately report the purpose of his visit.
He stressed that his attendance at the event was to present service awards and not to campaign for the ongoing Johor state election.
“I hope the media reports this correctly. I’m here to present awards, not to campaign. As directed by the Prime Minister, my purpose today is simply to attend this official function,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid added that the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly happened to coincide with the event, making it an opportunity for him to meet with the local community while carrying out his official responsibilities.
