By Nur Fadhliana Shaari
JOHOR BAHRU, March 13 (Bernama) -- The people of Johor are urged to continue embracing the spirit of Bangsa Johor and strengthen unity to achieve shared success, while safeguarding the state’s harmony and stability.
This is an important message that Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi wishes to convey to the people of the state ahead of the fourth anniversary of his administration on March 15.
“For Johor to progress, the unity of Bangsa Johor is essential because it is through unity that strength is built,” he said in a recent interview with Bernama, led by editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj at Saujana, the official residence of the Johor Menteri Besar.
He said this when commenting on Johor’s ability to remain largely free from religious and racial conflicts compared with several other states in recent times.
Citing divisions and turmoil that have occurred in several foreign countries, he said such situations only undermine stability and hamper economic growth as well as investment opportunities.
Onn Hafiz said the uniqueness of the Bangsa Johor concept, , founded by the Johor Sultanate institution, has been instrumental in preserving racial and religious harmony in the state.
He said the Bangsa Johor concept, which dates back to 1920, has always emphasised the importance of unity among the multiracial communities living and earning a livelihood in the state.
According to him, the inclusive approach of the Johor Sultanate, which embraces all levels of society regardless of background, has also contributed to the enduring spirit of togetherness in the state.
However, Onn Hafiz said the harmony enjoyed in the state should not be taken lightly and must be preserved through the collective efforts of all parties.
“That is a unique strength we have nurtured since the beginning, but it must continue to be preserved. It is not something that is simply given; it requires all of us to keep working together to maintain that harmony. Hopefully, we can continue to maintain it,” he said.
The Bangsa Johor concept is a unique identity that has long been embedded in Johor and its social fabric since the 1920s, when the late Sultan Ibrahim Abu Bakar first introduced and used the term.
--BERNAMA