ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor Legislative Assembly has secured a two-thirds majority to amend the state constitution, paving the way for the appointment of five nominated assemblymen.
The Bill was tabled by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during the state assembly sitting, who said the move aims to strengthen the legislature by bringing in professionals into the state’s policymaking process.
“This provides opportunity to professional and experienced people to contribute to the state’s development.
“Their appointment can also ensure voices from various sectors, including economy, education, technology, youth, women and civil society, are better heard in the state assembly,” he said yesterday.
He said the amendment was carried out in accordance with state laws, adding that nominated assemblymen have been introduced in other states, including Pahang, Terengganu and Sabah.
Article 15 of the Second Part of the Law of the Constitution of 1895 reads: The Legislative Assembly shall consist of such number of elected members as the Legislature may by law provide, and, until other provisions are so made, the number of members shall be fifty-six.
Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, proposed inserting the words “and not exceeding five appointed members” after “fifty-six”.
“This would then bring the 56-seat state assembly to 61,” he added.
He said the nominated assemblymen would be appointed through a motion supported by at least seven assembly members and approved by a simple majority with the Ruler’s assent.
During the debate, Anuar Abd Manap (BN-Pemanis) said the move was not about increasing seats but about strengthening governance through professional expertise.
“The appointments must also be based on merit, transparency and integrity.
“The mechanism should not be abused as a form of political reward,” he said.
Andrew Chen Kah Eng (PH-Stulang), representing a balancing force, said strengthening administration could instead be achieved through a redelineation exercise rather than appointing nominated members.
The Bill was passed after 40 assemblymen voted in favour, while 16 voted against it, with Johor Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi announcing the approval.
The Johor Legislative Assembly currently comprises 40 Barisan Nasional representatives – 12 from Pakatan Harapan, three from Perikatan Nasional and one from Muda.
Earlier, Onn Hafiz said the state assembly would not be dissolved soon amid speculation of an early Johor election.
“There are many more initiatives and programmes that we are planning to implement.
“The election fever is felt during this sitting, as some assemblymen have started apologising to others and thanking those who assisted them as if this session were the final sitting before the election.”
The last state election was held in March 2022, with the current term set to end in April next year.
