MACHAP assemblyman Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been sworn in as the Johor menteri besar after receiving the consent of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

He was officially made the 19th head of state in a ceremony at Istana Bukit Serene this afternoon.

This follows Barisan Nasional’s (BN) victory in the Johor polls over the weekend, which saw the coalition bag 40 of the 56 seats up for grabs.

BN defeated Pakatan Harapan, which won 11 seats, of which PKR – which used its own logo – claimed only one.

Onn Hafiz previously held the portfolio of Johor Tourism, Youth and Sports Committee chairman.

The 43-year-old is the grandson of late former prime minister Hussein Onn and nephew of Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

In Najib Razak’s corruption trial involving SRC International Sdn Bhd funds, Onn Hafiz in his witness statement said he was a shareholder of Vital Spire Sdn Bhd, one of many recipients of cheques that the former prime minister issued using SRC International funds.

Onn Hafiz said the RM240,000 cheque was to run the now defunct Malaysian Digest website in 2015, based on Najib’s instructions.

Najib is also Hishammuddin’s cousin.

Onn Hafiz won the Machap seat with a more than 6,000 vote-majority. He was previously the Layang-Layang assemblyman.

After his appointment, the politician thanked Sultan Ibrahim for appointing him as menteri besar.

“I will bear this huge responsibility with all my heart, dedication and effort for the well-being and prosperity of the state and its people,” he said in a statement.

He extended his gratitude to ex-menteri besar Hasni Mohammad for all the latter’s assistance, commitment, leadership and sacrifices.

“Hasni’s sacrifice to make space for young people to lead Johor shows just how great of a statesman he is.

“It also proves that he believes in the role and ability of young people in leading the state.”

Hasni last night issued a statement asking party leaders to choose a younger assemblyman to lead Johor.

With the combination of experienced people and energy and idealism of youth, Onn Hafiz said the state will be further developed and strengthened.

“All the promises made by BN, I will try to fulfil as best as possible.

“I appeal to all Johor folk, regardless of race, religion and background, to stand with me.” – March 15, 2022.