SIMPANG RENGGAM: Newly appointed Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will work together and continue the mission, vision and manifesto of his predecessor Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

       Sharing his conversation with Hasni before the swearing-in ceremony at Istana Bukit Serene, Onn Hafiz, 43, said Hasni also pledged to assist and support his leadership.

       “I have never seen such a big-hearted leader like Hasni. He told me, Onn, do not worry, lead Johor well, I will assist and support.

       “I appreciate that very much. God willing, I will continue to seek his counsel and views so that the experienced can combine with the young,” he said at the ‘Sembang Santai bersama Menteri Besar’ programme here on Wednesday (March 16).

       Over 300 locals were present to welcome Onn Hafiz, where he delivered his maiden speech as the 19th Johor Mentri Besar.

       Onn Hafiz officially began his duties at the Dato ‘Jaafar Muhammad Building, Kota Iskandar in Johor Baru on Wednesday.

       The Machap assemblyman took his oath of office before Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at Istana Bukit Serene, Johor Baru, on Tuesday (March 15).

       In the state polls on Saturday (March 12), Onn Hafiz, 43, defeated Azlisham Azahar of Perikatan Nasional, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance candidate R. Sangaran and Datuk Dr Sharuddin Md Salleh (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) with a 6,543-vote majority.

       Barisan Nasional won the Johor election with more than a two-thirds majority, taking 40 out of the 56 seats contested. – Bernama