Johor DAP assistant publicity secretary Sheikh Omar Ali has downplayed claims that he is the party's candidate for the Johor menteri besar post.

"If Pakatan Harapan wins in Johor, there are others more eligible and senior than me (to become Johor menteri besar)," Sheikh Omar said in a statement today.

He cited Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub, Bersatu secretary-general Shahruddin Md Salleh, Johor Amanah chief Aminolhuda Hassan and Johor PKR chief Hassan Karim, among others.

"They are much more eligible to become Johor menteri besar. Who am I to be compared with them?

"This claim that the DAP wants the menteri besar post is just an outdated tactic to scare the Malays," he said.

Sheikh Omar was responding to an article in Harakah Daily written by political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, who said that the DAP's decision to field Sheikh Omar as a candidate for the Paloh state seat was to give a perception that he is the party's Johor menteri besar candidate.

Referring to Kamarul (photo) as "this person who has a PhD", Sheikh Omar wondered whether he thought that Malays are stupid and easily duped.

"Maybe he forgot how the whole country saw his loathsome attitude when he wanted to show that he's smart but panicked in front of (Harapan chairperson) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) at the Sinar Harian forum recently.

"The sad thing is, he still has not realised this. Maybe it's because he has to satisfy his master. Let it be. Malaysians, Malays and Johoreans know what's good and what's bad.

Sheikh Omar urged Umno members, including those who hold PhDs, to stop spreading slander.

'I'm worried about Allah's punishment for them for spreading slander because it does not only await in the hereafter but can also happen in this world.

"Stop scaring the Malays. Johoreans know what's good and what's bad," he added.