JOHOR BARU: Despite the mounting talk over a possible snap state election, MCA leaders in Johor have been reminded to stay grounded and focus on serving the people instead of getting swept up by election fever.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong urged party leaders to remain accessible to the public and not become complacent, even as the party prepares for the possibility of an early state polls.
“Remain reachable to the people. Do not be overconfident,” he said after attending a Johor Barisan Nasional leaders’ meeting chaired by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Describing yesterday’s meeting as routine, Dr Wee stressed that no discussion on election dates took place, adding that any decision would rest with the Mentri Besar before seeking an audience with the Johor Ruler.
He said MCA had also organised a training session attended by 320 leaders from all 26 divisions statewide.
In the 2022 Johor election, MCA won four of the 15 seats it contested.
Dr Wee also said the people of Johor could clearly see the state government’s achievements since taking office in 2022.
“This can be seen in various aspects, including the economy, investments, job opportunities and development, not only in Johor Baru but across the state as well,” he said, adding that Johor’s development had been balanced, with the people directly benefiting from the state’s progress.
“This is something rarely seen in other states.”
Talk of a looming state election intensified after state assemblymen reportedly received notices to attend a one-day state assembly meeting on June 22.
Bekok assemblyman Tan Chong said he received the notice from the state assembly secretary’s office at about 9am yesterday.
When asked whether all 56 assemblymen had received the notice, he replied: “I would think so.”
However, he declined to speculate on whether the meeting could lead to the dissolution of the state assembly.
Tiram assemblyman Azizul Bachok also confirmed receiving the notice, but downplayed speculation surrounding the meeting.
“In a year, we usually have four sittings, including one that lasts only a day. Anyway, if there is going to be an election, there are proper procedures to follow, including an audience with the state Ruler,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Jaya assemblyman Liow Cai Tung, who uploaded the notice dated May 29 on Facebook, questioned the timing of the meeting, saying that the state assembly has never sat twice within two months.
“Why is it only for one day and without a question-and-answer session? The assembly can actually be dissolved without calling for a meeting,” she said.
The 15th Johor state election was held in March 2022, with Barisan winning 40 of the 56 seats. Pakatan Harapan secured 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional won three, while Muda captured one seat.
The Johor assembly will automatically dissolve next year if elections are not called earlier, with polls required within 60 days of dissolution.
Johor Barisan has already announced its intention to contest the next state election solo, drawing protests from Pakatan over the unity government pact.
