JOHOR BARU: A Johor DAP leader has called on party members to be prepared for a snap election in the state.
State DAP vice-chairman Tan Cheng Choon, who is also the Jementah assemblyman, said that a snap election could happen at any moment.
“There are 56 seats in the Johor state assembly where Umno and DAP both have 14 seats, followed by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (12), MIC (two), PAS (one) while Parti Amanah Negara (nine) and PKR (four).
“After Perikatan Nasional seized power in February, the present government has 29 seats compared to 27 seats under Pakatan Harapan as a simple majority of 29 is required to form a government in Johor, ” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Sept 6).
Tan, however, stressed that the political situation in the state has been changing from time to time, as there was confusion among the present government party members.
“The state assembly will be hung if one of the assemblymen from the government’s block crosses over to the Opposition side.
“This will cause an even number of 28 seats, which would surely force a snap state election here, ” he said adding that DAP must be prepared to face an election or the possibility of the 15th general election.
On Saturday (Sept 5), Bersatu disciplinary board said it would likely haul up former Johor mentri besar Datuk Osman Sapian after the coming state assembly meeting.
Its chairman Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas said the Kempas assemblyman would be asked to explain his alleged backing of an Independent candidate in the recent Slim by-election.
“We will give him some time and most probably call him in after the Johor state assembly meeting, ” he said.
Megat Najmuddin said under the Bersatu constitution, Osman’s membership would be cancelled for going against party rules.
“However, we have to take into consideration his position as an elected representative in Johor.
“If the board gives a decision against Osman, it might cause the state assembly to be hung and this will force many problems for the present government and people in Johor, ” he said.
The Johor state assembly is scheduled to meet on Sept 10 and 13.
