JOHOR BARU – The legitimacy of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government in Johor will only be determined at the State Legislative Assembly sitting scheduled for next Thursday, said Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.
He said the sitting on August 12 is a suitable platform to discuss any matter with Johor’s 56 assemblymen.
“Similar to my previous statement, we will continue to uphold democracy in Johor but we also know that the constitution of the state government and the laws in this state are the basis of any of our decisions and actions.
“Looking at the current development, Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) will determine his legitimacy in Parliament as instructed and consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“All MPs are already mandated to make decisions, so I don’t want to touch on the MPs’ stance and so on, but as the head of the (state) government, I feel that these arising issues can be discussed in the state assembly to determine the legitimacy of the state government,” he said after visiting a private vaccination centre at KPJ Abdul Samad today.
Hasni, who is also Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman, said there is no need for Johor Umno or Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) to make any decision at this time on issues such as support for the prime minister.
“I think it (assembly sitting) is an appropriate platform for us to make a decision related to the issues arising… so, (as for) the matter mentioned (in a statement issued by Johor Bersatu), for now, there is no need for the state Umno or BN to make any decision.
“As for support for the prime minister, we will (explain) all that at the assembly sitting. I myself will take a stand on the matter,” said Hasni, who is also Benut assemblyman.
Hasni also confirmed the attendance of Muhyiddin, who is also the Gambir rep, at the sitting next week.
Hasni said this when commenting on a statement by Johor Bersatu secretary Datuk Sahruddin Jamal yesterday, who wanted Johor Umno to take a stand on the issue of support for the prime minister and the PN government.
Johor is now led by PN Johor with a slim majority of 29 seats compared with 27 seats in the opposition bloc.
The state government is led by Johor Umno with 14 seats, Bersatu with 12 seats, MIC (2) and PAS (1) while the opposition comprises DAP with 14 seats, Amanah (9) and PKR (4). – Bernama, August 6, 2021
