JOHOR BARU: While he is against a snap election at this juncture, a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia state executive councillor says the Johor Mentri Besar should "just do it" if he has any plans to dissolve the state assembly or has been directed to do so.
Johor state investment, cooperatives, entrepreneurship development and human resources committee chairman Datuk Mohd Izhar Ahmad said that by doing so, Datuk Hasni Mohammad, who was from Umno, would not need to share in the running of the administration and would be able to get more autonomy to govern the state comfortably.
Mohd Izhar said it was unnecessary to cause uneasiness among the people and the government servants, who might lose focus on their duties or responsibilities, by the speculation of snap polls soon in the state.
"To me, having a state election at this juncture is a huge waste of public funds. Why do we need this? What is the motive?" he asked.
Mohd Izhar said that at the end, the people would continue to be squeezed due to the actions of politicians who were continuously out to seize power.
In a Facebook post titled "Think twice or just do it", Mohd Izhar said the present conflict and political greed had caused confusion in the state.
"The main question is the motive and the relevance to have an election now when the people are trying to get back to their normal life due to the Covid-19 pandemic or the floods in the state," he wrote.
He added that talk of Hasni’s government being uncomfortable or unstable with just a one-seat majority was not accurate as there had been no pressure, threats, attacks or any moves from the Opposition to bring down the government similar to what had happened in other states.
"What is even more confusing is that Pakatan Harapan has taken a firm and clear approach for a state election not to be held in the near future as everyone is focused on reviving the economy and helping the people.
"It is strange that the Opposition has made such a stand and not the government," he said.
Mohd Izhar also said that leaders should be wise, sensitive and careful in issuing any statements which could confuse the public.
"Such rhetoric about elections will cast a negative perception and cause doubts and investors to lose confidence in coming into the state," he said.
The 10-member Johor executive council currently comprises five members each from Barisan Nasional and Bersatu.
Talk of an impending state election gained traction following the death of Bersatu assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian last month.
The former mentri besar's demise meant that the present Umno-led state government is down only to a one-seat majority in the 56-seat state assembly.
