Dissolve Johor state assembly since Pakatan is directionless, says Umno man

JOHOR BARU: State Umno treasurer Datuk Md Jais Sarday (pic) has suggested that the Johor state assembly be dissolved to pave the way for fresh state elections.

He outlined several reasons for this, including the fact that after 10 months of Pakatan Harapan controlling the state, the people still could not see the direction of the state was headed.

He added that Pakatan did not have assemblymen with credibility or experience to run the state government.

"A state election will give the people a chance to appoint a government which they are confident of.

"This will also put to rest allegations that the Johor palace is involved in the current political situation," he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 10).

Md Jais, who is Kluang Umno division chief, said the problems in the Pakatan state government started after Datuk Osman Sapian was elected Mentri Besar.

"Many questioned his ability to run the state based on his background, and he himself admitted that he did not complete his higher education," he added.

He said Osman was not able to provide a clear direction for his administration when handling the Pasir Gudang tragedy.

"All this has caused the public to be worried as the state leadership has been seen as without credibility to run the state," he added.

Md Jais said many felt that although Johor was located next to Singapore, it was not progressing.

He said after Osman resigned, the political impasse continued with as to who would take over as Mentri Besar.

"Many see this as a move by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to place a 'yes man', while a candidate chosen by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will have problems with Putrajaya.

"As such I humbly suggest that Johor Ruler dissolve the state assembly based on Section 23(2) of the Undang Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Johor 1895," he said.

Johor has 56 state seats and 26 parliamentary seats.

Pakatan controls 39 of the state seats.