Mohd Solihan Badri - Filepic/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The dissolution of the Johor assembly was not to revive or develop the economy but to axe Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) from the state government, a leader from the party has claimed.
Former state executive councillor Mohd Solihan Badri, who is assemblyman for Tenang, said Umno's reason for dissolving the assembly was shallow and did not make sense.
"Perikatan Nasional is painted as the reason for the slump in the state’s economy despite all the Bersatu excos always working hard to develop Johor and supporting the aspirations of the state Budget 2022," he said on Friday (Jan 28).
The Johor Bersatu Information chief was asked to comment on a recent viral photo of Umno leaders holding a banner seeking a two-thirds majority for the purpose of developing the state and economy.
He said Umno should not try to confuse the people because, as an exco, he too had access to data.
"Our economy was badly affected due to the movement control order which hit our economy and investments," he said.
He added that many locals were unable to travel to Singapore for work while Singaporeans were unable to come here as most shops and restaurants were closed during that time.
Mohd Solihan, who was one of five Bersatu exco members in the previous 10-man team, also questioned the amount of investment that caretaker mentri besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad brought into the state since being appointed MB.
"So his excuse to have the state polls is not strong," he said.
Mohd Solihan added that all Bersatu excos and Perikatan assemblymen had always supported Hasni’s government.
"In many critical issues, the opposition representatives were also with the government especially in passing Budget 2022," he said.
He admitted that, despite many state and Federal allocation to help the people, business groups and economic revival from the Covid-19 pandemic, there was still a slowdown that had affected the state’s economy.
"However, do not pin this on Perikatan," he said.
According to Mohd Solihan, Bersatu regretted that Umno went back on its power-sharing arrangement with Perikatan by calling for the state election.
