Johor Palace Advised Onn Hafiz to Reconcile with Zahid After PRU15 Backlash
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has disclosed that he received advice from the Johor royal institution to make peace with UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This counsel followed Onn Hafiz's public call for Zahid Hamidi to step down from his leadership position in the aftermath of Barisan Nasional's (BN) performance in the 15th General Election (PRU15). Following the royal advice, Onn Hafiz Ghazi personally apologised to Zahid Hamidi.
Context of the 15th General Election
The 15th General Election, held on November 19, 2022, resulted in a hung parliament, with no single political coalition securing a simple majority to form the federal government. Barisan Nasional, a long-standing political coalition that had historically dominated Malaysian politics, achieved its worst electoral performance to date. The coalition secured only 30 seats out of the 222 contested parliamentary seats, a significant reduction from its previous showings. This outcome led to widespread disappointment and internal turmoil within UMNO, the dominant party within the BN coalition, and among its supporters.
The election results triggered immediate calls for leadership change within UMNO and BN. Many members and leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the coalition's campaign strategy, candidate selection, and overall direction under the leadership of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who served as both UMNO President and Barisan Nasional Chairman. The pressure mounted on Zahid Hamidi to take responsibility for the electoral setback.
Onn Hafiz Ghazi's Call for Resignation
Amidst the post-election political uncertainty and internal party dissent, Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi publicly called for Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign from his positions. Onn Hafiz, who is also the UMNO Machap Jaya assemblyman, made his stance known shortly after the PRU15 results were announced. His call reflected a sentiment shared by a segment of UMNO members who believed a change in leadership was necessary to revitalise the party and coalition.
Onn Hafiz's public statement added to the chorus of voices demanding accountability and reform within UMNO. His position as a Menteri Besar of a key state like Johor, traditionally an UMNO stronghold, lent significant weight to his call for Zahid's resignation. The public nature of his demand highlighted the depth of the internal crisis facing UMNO at the time.
Intervention by the Johor Royal Institution
According to Onn Hafiz Ghazi's disclosure, the Johor royal institution subsequently advised him to seek reconciliation with Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The role of the Johor royal institution, under His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, is constitutionally significant within the state. The Johor Sultan holds a revered position and is known for his active involvement in matters concerning the welfare and stability of the state and its people. Royal advice in such matters is often viewed with considerable respect and carries moral authority.
The advice to "make peace" underscored a potential concern for unity and stability within the political landscape, particularly given the internal divisions within a major political party like UMNO, which plays a crucial role in both state and federal governance. Onn Hafiz Ghazi did not elaborate on the specific details or context of the royal advice, beyond stating that it prompted his subsequent actions.
The Apology and Reconciliation
Following the advice from the Johor royal institution, Onn Hafiz Ghazi personally apologised to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The apology marked a shift from his earlier public demand for Zahid's resignation. This act of reconciliation was undertaken privately, as disclosed by Onn Hafiz himself. The gesture aimed to mend relations and potentially foster greater unity within the party leadership, as advised by the palace.
The apology occurred during a period when UMNO was navigating complex decisions regarding coalition formation at the federal level, ultimately leading to its participation in the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Zahid Hamidi, as UMNO President, played a central role in these negotiations. Onn Hafiz's reconciliation with Zahid was seen in some quarters as contributing to the stabilisation of internal party dynamics during a critical political juncture.
Political Context and Implications
The incident highlights the intricate relationship between political leaders and royal institutions in Malaysia, particularly at the state level. In Johor, the Sultan's influence extends beyond ceremonial duties, often playing a role in ensuring political stability and harmony within the state. The advice given to Onn Hafiz Ghazi reflects the royal institution's concern for unity and order amidst political turbulence.
For UMNO, the reconciliation between Onn Hafiz and Zahid Hamidi was part of a broader effort to consolidate leadership and address internal dissent following the challenging PRU15 results. The party ultimately decided to join the unity government, with Zahid Hamidi assuming a cabinet position as Deputy Prime Minister. The resolution of internal disputes, such as the one involving Onn Hafiz, contributed to presenting a more unified front during the formation of the new federal government.
The disclosure by Onn Hafiz Ghazi provides insight into the various factors that influence political decisions and relationships within Malaysia's multi-layered governance structure, including the significant, albeit often behind-the-scenes, role of royal advice in fostering political stability and reconciliation.