Kluang: Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been urged to explain allegations that a group of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students was required to attend a programme that was later used to canvass support for Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Johor state election.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching claimed the party had received complaints from parents and students alleging they were instructed to attend the Johor MARA TVET Roadshow at the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) Hall in Kluang on July 4. Teo, who is also Deputy Communications Minister, claimed they were warned that failure to attend would be treated as absenteeism, but alleged the programme later turned into a platform to garner support for the BN candidate.
Teo stated, "Onn Hafiz attended the programme, and we have no issue with him attending a government event. What we question is the allegation that he used the platform to urge students to vote for the BN candidate by openly mentioning the candidate's number." She questioned whether a government programme should be used for campaigning and if a hall belonging to a government agency can be used for political purposes if it was a party event.
Teo mentioned that the party possesses the programme itinerary, a letter directing compulsory attendance, and a video recording allegedly showing the campaign-related remarks. She expressed her concerns not only as Johor DAP chairman but also as a mother, emphasizing the pressure students faced to support a political party.
On potential follow-up actions, Teo said it would be up to Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates to consider the appropriate course, including lodging a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC). Additionally, she criticized Onn Hafiz's recent call for several federal government policies to be reviewed, describing it as unwarranted criticism.
Meanwhile, DAP veteran leader Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang urged voters in the state election to reject racial politics and unite behind the 'Malaysian Dream,' promoting equality, freedom, prosperity, and respect for human rights. He emphasized the need for voters to consolidate their support rather than divide their votes to achieve this vision.
The state election will feature 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with early voting taking place today and polling scheduled for July 11.