ISKANDAR PUTERI: Opposition bloc lawmakers have urged the Johor government to carefully reconsider proposed constitutional amendments involving the appointment of five nominated state assemblymen, ahead of its tabling in the state legislative assembly tomorrow (May 7).
Muda president and Puteri Wangsa assemblyman Amira Aisya Abd Aziz said the proposal to introduce nominated assemblymen remains unclear and requires further scrutiny before any decision is made.
She said any policy involving fundamental changes to the composition of the State Legislative Assembly should be handled cautiously, with input from all stakeholders, including elected representatives.
“If the proposed amendment is to proceed, a thorough review must be carried out to ensure it truly meets needs and does not create unintended consequences in the future,” she said in a press conference on the sidelines of the state assembly meeting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar on Wednesday (May 6).
Amira added that the state government, or any future administration, should return to the discussion table with all relevant stakeholders to improve the proposal.
She also raised several questions regarding the proposed nominated assemblymen system, including their eligibility criteria, whether they would be appointed from political backgrounds or professional fields, and whether they would receive the same salary and privileges as elected assemblymen.
“Are they being appointed to fulfil a quota? And will they enjoy the same allowances and benefits as elected state assemblymen?” she asked.
Also present during the press conference were Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Johor leadership figures, including state chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal.
He said the opposition’s concerns should be viewed as constructive input aimed at ensuring Johor's well-being.
Dr Sahruddin added that lawmakers were merely voicing their views and concerns for the benefit of the people of Johor, adding that the matter should be carefully examined and improved if necessary.
In a light-hearted remark, the former Johor Mentri Besar noted that the current sitting may be the last before the state assembly is dissolved.
“From what we can see and hear from today’s debate, including the presentation on Bantuan Kasih Johor, the atmosphere feels as if it is almost like the eve of an election,” he said.
