PETALING JAYA: Fourteen of the 26 division chiefs of Bersatu Johor have called on the state chairman, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, to step down in the interest of the party’s future.
Bersatu Pontian division chief Datuk Isa Ab Hamid, speaking on behalf of the divisions involved, claimed that they had lost confidence in Dr Sahruddin.
Isa added that the matter had previously been raised with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, but no action was taken, prompting the division chiefs to hold an open press conference.
“This press conference is not about apportioning blame or speaking ill of any party.
“It is simply a call from us, the Bersatu Johor division chiefs, for the state leadership to be changed,” he said, according to a report by Sinar Harian on Tuesday (Jan 27).
“We once again urge Muhyiddin to review the appointment of the Bersatu Johor chairman, who is alleged to have lost the support and confidence of the division chiefs.
“In addition, he has failed to unite the leadership and address grassroots issues.
“This crisis has significantly damaged the image of Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the eyes of division leaders, members and supporters,” he added.
Among those present were Bersatu division chiefs from Johor Bahru, Pontian, Tanjung Piai, Pulai, Pengerang, Parit Sulong, Ledang and Labis.
On Dec 30, Dr Sahruddin who is former Johor Mentri Besar announced his resignation as Perikatan Nasional Johor chairman.
The Bukit Kepong state assemblyman said the move followed Muhyiddin’s resignation at the central level.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and former Batu Pahat MP Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon reminded Bersatu’s top leadership not to ignore the voices of division chiefs.
“The party leadership must not disregard the views and voices of the grassroots.
“Instead, we must be big-hearted because we love this party.
“It is for the future of the party, especially as we approach the state election and the general election,” he said.
He added that the issue must be resolved promptly, as Johor could be facing the possibility of a state election in the near future.
