PETALING JAYA: Johor Bersatu chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal has dismissed claims that 14 Johor Bersatu division chiefs have withdrawn their support for him.
Instead, he insisted that his position as state chairman remains legitimate and backed by the top leadership of the party.
The former Johor Mentri Besar said his appointment as Johor Bersatu chairman was made by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in his capacity as Bersatu president.
He said any dissatisfaction with the state leadership should be raised through internal party mechanisms rather than aired publicly through press conferences.
"It was not appropriate for them to hold a press conference like yesterday (Jan 27). The proper channel is to hold discussions with the party leadership," he told Sinar Harian on Wednesday (Jan 28).
Sahruddin also challenged the number of division chiefs involved, saying only nine had expressed dissatisfaction, not 14 as claimed. He said he had no issue continuing to work with all Bersatu division chiefs in Johor, stressing that party unity should remain the priority.
"Our focus now is to strengthen the party and prepare for the upcoming election," he said.
On Tuesday (Jan 27), Pontian Bersatu division chief Datuk Isa Ab Hamid was reported as saying that 14 Johor Bersatu division chiefs had lost confidence in the leadership of Sahruddin.
On Dec 30, Sahruddin, who is also the Bukit Kepong assemblyman, announced his resignation as Johor Perikatan chairman following the resignation of Muhyiddin as Perikatan chairman.
