PMX’s ‘little boy’ jab turns into Johor’s ‘Budak Ni!’ phenomenon

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A remark by Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim describing unnamed political rivals as “little boys” has rapidly evolved into a political rallying cry in Johor ahead of the looming state election.

The phrase “Budak Ni!” (this boy) is now widely associated with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

It has gained traction among Umno grassroots leaders and youths following Anwar’s speech at the PH Convention at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre on May 17.

During the convention, Anwar warned rivals against mistaking PH’s restraint for weakness amid intensifying political speculation surrounding Johor.

“We are not afraid of threats. We have been beaten before, jailed before, and now we are supposed to be intimidated by ‘little boys’ (budak-budak)? No way,” the Tambun member of parliament was reported as saying.

The remark was widely interpreted as a reference to Onn Hafiz after the Johor Barisan Nasional chairman recently declared BN’s intention to contest all 56 state seats in the upcoming Johor polls.

What began as a political jab has since been repackaged by Johor Umno leaders into a branding slogan portraying Onn Hafiz as a youthful, hardworking leader.

Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros said the political heat surrounding the state election should not distract leaders from continuing efforts to develop Johor.

He said Johor youths must unite behind a common direction to strengthen and further develop the state.

“We cannot forget that development remains our responsibility as leaders. Young people want to see a Johor that is better than it is today.

“That is why Onn Hafiz’s agenda is ‘Maju Johor’. The vision and aspirations behind ‘Budak Ni’ are to ensure the state continues to progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ledang Umno Wanita chief and Serom assemblyman Khairin-Nisa Ismail described Onn Hafiz as “no ordinary boy”.

“Budak ni bukan calang-calang budak (This boy is no ordinary boy). He may not speak much, but he works tirelessly.

“From morning until night, his thoughts are on the rakyat and how to ease their burdens,” she said in a social media post.

She said Onn Hafiz consistently goes to the ground to listen directly to issues faced by the rakyat while ensuring assistance reaches those in need.

Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, said the increasingly heated political climate in Johor should not come at the expense of civility.

Speaking during the “Lepak Dengan Budak Ni!” session at the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre on Friday (May 22), he urged Johoreans to preserve the state’s political culture and decorum despite rising tensions ahead of the state election.

“In Johor, we have our own way – the Johor Way. Even in politics, let’s maintain our manners and values.

The Johor Way refers to the state’s long-standing political culture that emphasises moderation, mutual respect, racial harmony and civility, even amid intense political differences.

“In Johor, regardless of whether we are Malays, Indians or Chinese, we are all one people – Bangsa Johor,” he said.

Onn Hafiz also expressed confidence that Johor youths had the maturity and wisdom to determine the state’s political future.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times