After the long wait for state election, it’s over in minutes

JOHOR BARU: Despite the long-drawn drama over the “will-it-won’t-it happen” state election, the confirmation of its dissolution happened surprisingly quickly and was over within minutes.

“The MB walked in and spoke to us. He told us about the need to have a state election and explained a bit about our role as a caretaker government and then left,” Johor unity, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Dr Chong Fat Full said.

“It was the shortest meeting that we have ever had.

“He was in a rush to get to the palace and none of us could ask any questions,” he said, referring to Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

Dr Chong said they had been informed of the sudden meeting at Hasni’s office in Kota Iskandar yesterday.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia affiliate wing (non-Malays) deputy chief said all 10 exco (executive council) members were present at the meeting.

Johor has a 10-member exco team comprising five from Barisan Nasional and five from Bersatu.

Dr Chong also questioned the timing of the election as it would be just after Chinese New Year, as it will have to be held within 60 days.

“Many people are in a festive mood and having a state election during this time is not very nice,” he said, adding that Bersatu would nevertheless be ready to face its rivals in the polls.

“We will be meeting with our president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to plan our election strategies,” he added.

Perikatan Nasional has a total of 13 seats – 12 from Bersatu and one from PAS.

One of Bersatu’s seats fell vacant following the death of former mentri besar Datuk Osman Sapian last month.