DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has extended an invitation to caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Onn Hafiz Ghazi to join him on a KTM Komuter train ride during a Transport Ministry programme in Johor this Tuesday.
The invitation was made in his capacity as Transport Minister following recent remarks attributed to Onn Hafiz, who reportedly said he would rather step down than sit at the same table with DAP.
Loke said the Transport Ministry already has an allocation in place and will be launching a new KTM Komuter Selatan service from Kulai to Johor Baru without seeking additional funding from the Finance Ministry.
He added that as part of the launch, he will be travelling from Kulai station to Johor Baru by train at noon on Tuesday and hopes Onn Hafiz will join him for the journey.
“I want to invite the Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz. I invite him to sit together with me in the train, even though he said he does not want to sit with DAP,” he said during a speech at the Negri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan election machinery launch.
Loke also pointed out that DAP remains part of the federal government and stressed his position as Transport Minister in carrying out official duties.
He further noted that during a recent Cabinet meeting, he was seated next to Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, using the example to highlight working relationships across political lines.
“I attended the Cabinet meeting yesterday morning, and I still sat next to the Umno president. Never mind, some people think they are higher than others, even if they are not that tall,” he added.
Onn Hafiz has since rejected claims of racism, stating that his comments should not be interpreted as targeting any ethnic group and stressing that his administration’s policies are based on the interests of all Johoreans regardless of race or political affiliation.
