JOHOR BAHRU, June 17 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended his administration’s record of cooperation with the Federal Government, while rejecting suggestions that the state leadership is arrogant or unwilling to work together with Putrajaya.

Responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks that Johoreans should choose leaders who are wise, principled, humble and able to cooperate with the Federal Government, Onn Hafiz said the Johor government has consistently worked alongside federal agencies for the benefit of the people.

He also pointed out that the appointment of the Menteri Besar and members of the Johor State Executive Council is made with the consent of the Sultan of Johor.

Onn Hafiz questioned whether Barisan Nasional Johor’s decision to contest all 56 state seats — a move he acknowledged may be difficult for the Prime Minister to accept — had led to perceptions that he and the state leadership were being “arrogant”.

“We have never been arrogant in cooperating, nor have we been too proud to accept views or assistance,” he said, adding that the state government remains guided by its principles, responsibilities and commitment to the Johor royal institution and the welfare of the people.

The Menteri Besar highlighted several examples of the state government’s support for federal responsibilities, including annual assistance to schools and teachers despite education being under the Ministry of Education.

He said the Johor government also provides support to Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes, district police headquarters and military camps, although these fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry and Defence Ministry.

Similarly, the state has contributed to hospitals, clinics and public healthcare facilities, despite healthcare being a federal responsibility under the Health Ministry.

Onn Hafiz noted that when state revenue increased, Johor not only rewarded state civil servants with special financial assistance but also extended appreciation to federal civil servants serving in the state.

“For the Johor state government, what matters most is not which ministry or level of government is responsible, but whether the people of Johor benefit,” he said.

While stressing that he was not seeking to boast about the state’s contributions, Onn Hafiz questioned claims that Johor had failed to cooperate with, support or align itself with the Federal Government.

“With humility, I would like to ask: In what way has the Johor state government failed to cooperate, support or work in line with the Federal Government?” he said.