MB calls for all reps to work together

JOHOR BARU: Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad (pic) has urged elected representatives in the state assembly to work with him to take Johor forward, instead of against him.

The state Umno and Barisan Nasional chief said that he required not only cooperation from the state executive councillors but also from other assemblymen to ensure the state’s economic recovery.

“Let us work together to realise our mission to turn Johor into a new economic powerhouse in the country, ” he said in a statement yesterday.

Hasni said that he needed the support of all leaders, both from the government as well as the Opposition, to fulfil Johor’s potential.

He also urged all political leaders in the state to understand and heed Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s decree to put the people’s needs first.

“Sultan Ibrahim has warned that he would not hesitate to dissolve the state assembly.

“Is this what we want, since the state government led by Perikatan Nasional has worked so hard to improve the state’s situation, ” he said.

State Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat said Sultan Ibrahim had the right to dissolve the state assembly. He pointed out that the matter was spelled out in the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Johor 1895.

“However, His Majesty must receive advice from the state government before dissolving the Johor assembly, ” the Parti Amanah Negara leader said yesterday.

State Umno Youth chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said all assemblymen and political party leaders should respect His Majesty’s latest remarks on power grabbing among the leaders here.

“It is clear from Sultan Ibrahim’s decree His Majesty’s disappointment with some quarters that still prioritise power and politics over the people and their hardship.

“His Majesty has already picked Datuk Hasni to lead the state administration. If there is still unhappiness, then discuss it properly instead of grabbing power, ” he said.

Mohd Hairi said that the consequences of power grabbing would not be good for the rakyat and the state, which is still facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

State MIC information chief S. Deva said that he fully supported Sultan Ibrahim in his remark about dissolving the state assembly, if it would bring stability in Johor.

“Because of the behaviour of certain power-crazy assemblymen, the state government cannot carry out its responsibility with the constant issue of changing administration, ” he added.

Johor PAS commissioner Abdullah Husin said the party would adhere to Sultan Ibrahim’s reminder.“Threatening to grab power does not do anyone good especially in the current situation, ” he said.

In a Facebook post, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak poked fun at Pakatan following the latest political situation in the state.

“Is Pakatan Harapan brave? Is Pakatan Harapan prepared? Are you ready to rumble? Pakatan Harapan wants to interrupt?” he questioned while sharing a news article on Sultan Ibrahim’s decree.

Johor PKR deputy chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said the party and its Pakatan allies were prepared to face a snap election.

“We have thought of such a scenario and we have been prepared from long ago for a snap election, ” he said.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement, the state Pakatan said it would take note and uphold Sultan Ibrahim’s decree.

“However, we expressed our commitment in practising a democratic parliament and constitutional monarchy, which has become the pillar for the state and country.

“We will also firmly abide by these principles in facing any issues and current political situation, ” read the statement, which was signed by state Pakatan chief Aminolhuda Hassan, who is also state Parti Amanah Negara chairman, Johor PKR chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong.