After days of exchanging remarks through social media and public statements, caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Transport Minister Anthony Loke finally met in person on Tuesday, greeting each other with smiles, handshakes and friendly conversation.
The two leaders crossed paths at the launch of the Southern Shuttle Service operations at Kulai Railway Station, marking their first public appearance together since a war of words erupted over Barisan Nasional’s future relationship with DAP.
Loke arrived at the event at around 12.45pm, with Onn Hafiz arriving shortly afterwards. Both leaders were seen exchanging pleasantries and chatting amicably before taking the stage to deliver their speeches.
Also present at the event were Johor State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, along with several DAP leaders.
In his welcoming speech, Onn Hafiz extended greetings to Loke and his delegation, revealing that he had rearranged his schedule after receiving a late invitation to attend the programme.
“Whatever the situation, we understand, and in these circumstances we must remain professional and responsible in carrying out our duties for the benefit of the people, especially those in Johor,” he said.
The public show of cordiality came after a political exchange that began earlier this month when Onn Hafiz declared that Johor Barisan Nasional would not cooperate with DAP if it formed the state government following the upcoming state election.
The Johor BN chairman also stated that he would rather step down as Menteri Besar than serve in a state administration alongside DAP.
His remarks quickly drew a response from Loke, who questioned the position, pointing out that Barisan Nasional and DAP currently work together within the Federal Government under the Unity Government arrangement.
Loke noted that BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is regularly seen working alongside DAP leaders and coalition partners at the national level.
The exchange continued when Loke publicly invited Onn Hafiz to attend the launch of the new KTM Komuter service in Johor.
Onn Hafiz later responded by saying he appreciated the invitation but claimed he had not received an official invitation letter despite the minister’s visit having been planned well in advance.
He also questioned why previous visits involving Transport Ministry projects in Johor had proceeded without invitations being extended to him or relevant state executive councillors.
Loke subsequently clarified that he does not usually invite menteris besar to routine ministry working visits because he understands their schedules are often packed with official duties.
Despite the recent political tensions, the friendly encounter at Kulai Railway Station appeared to signal a more cordial tone between the two leaders, at least in public, as Johor heads towards a highly anticipated state election.
