'Bangsa Johor' concept will not divide Malaysians, rather unite all races - Khaled

The revival of Johor nationalism manifested in whatever way is not intended for an eventual break away from the Federation of Malaysia, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the term ‘Bangsa Johor’ is merely the state’s political identity leading towards solidarity and community spirit.

“Bangsa Johor calls for the consensus of all races thus uniting all races, religions and peoples of various ancestry under one state identity based on harmony, understanding and tolerance,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled was commenting in response to the opinions voiced out by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday who said the term ‘Bangsa Johor’ encourages an unhealthy sense of self-pride and will only divide Malaysians.

Khaled however dismissed this notion and said a united, progressive and harmonious ‘Bangsa Johor’ will not only make Johor and its people even better, but also take Malaysia and Malaysians in general to greater heights.

“It will reinforce Malaysia as a Federation. States with a strong community will form a strong union,” he said while stressing that Johor will continue to support its strong ties with the Federal Government.

He also said that Johor nationalism and the concept of ‘Bangsa Johor’ is a unique identity that has long been synonymous with the state and its people.

“The term had been introduced in the early 1920s by DYMM Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim. This clearly means that the use of the term ‘Bangsa Johor’ had been used before independence and the existence of Malaysia,” he said.

Khaled also urged all parties to emulate the rise of Johor nationalism and hoped it would drive the people to appreciate the country’s diversity in a progressive and healthy manner.

Previously the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had criticised Tun Mahathir’s allegations and urged the former prime minister to refrain from future statements on the ‘Bangsa Johor’ concept.

Citing The Star news portal, the Sultan said the concept of ‘Bangsa Johor’ had been coined by his royal family since the 1920s aimed at uniting the people in the state.