‘Critical’ with RTS Link launch: Johor’s caretaker chief minister calls on Putrajaya to expedite ART rail plan

“We are happy for Penang because every state deserves quality public transport infrastructure. However, we also hope Johor’s needs will receive the same level of attention and priority,” he said.

Penang is a state controlled by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, of which Loke’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) is a component party. Meanwhile, Johor had been held by the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition prior to the dissolution of its state legislative assembly earlier this month.

PH is the largest coalition within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government. 

The event in Kulai on Tuesday was held amid a backdrop of a war of words between Onn Hafiz and DAP chief Loke, which include squabbles related to invitations to events by the transport ministry and the Johor state government’s involvement in federal transport initiatives.

It also follows Onn Hafiz’s remarks at a BN machinery launch on Jun 7 when he said that he would rather give up the chief minister’s post than sit at the same table with DAP.

Last week, Onn Hafiz called on the federal government to expedite the ART project during a visit to Malaysian media company Media Prima Berhad. 

“Sometimes when I speak out (on this matter), I am seen as being pushy, but I am pushing with reason,” he had said then, as reported by Malaysian Malay-language outlet Berita Harian.