{
  "id": 18665365,
  "title": "Onn Hafiz defends remarks PH wasting time in Melaka polls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/onn-hafiz-defends-remarks-ph-wasting-time-in-melaka-polls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T07:26:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/07/onn-hafiz-defends-remarks-ph-wasting-time-in-melaka-polls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Johor's Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended his claim that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is \"wasting time and money\" by participating in the Melaka state election. Onn Hafiz stated that his remarks were based on feedback and data he had received, as well as his observations on nomination day. He noted that the people of Melaka had responded positively to the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance. Onn Hafiz also mentioned that the momentum was strong and would be reflected in the election results on November 14. He attended a campaign event to support Dr. Akmal Saleh, the BN candidate defending the Merlimau state seat. Onn Hafiz also revealed that he had faced criticism during the Johor state election campaign, where he was labeled as \"short, childish, and unintelligent.\" However, he noted that this criticism did not include accusations of arrogance, as PH had claimed. Previously, PKR deputy secretary-general Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad described Onn Hafiz as shallow and accused him of having an arrogant attitude towards politics. He urged Onn Hafiz to understand the principles of democracy, as he had become Johor's Chief Minister through a government formed based on an electoral mandate.",
  "summary": "The Johor BN chief says his statements were based on feedback and information he had received, and his own observations on nomination day.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Anwar says Pakatan banking on multiracial appeal, candidate integrity in Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/anwar-says-pakatan-banking-on-multiracial-appeal-candidate-integrity",
        "published": "2026-11-07T03:35:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Melaka polls: BN candidate wants more opportunities for youths to shine in esports",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/melaka-polls-bn-candidate-wants-more-opportunities-for-youths-to",
        "published": "2026-11-07T03:44:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}