[UPDATED] Johor assembly to be dissolved

KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has assented to dissolving the state assembly.

As announced via a post on the ruler’s official Facebook page, the dissolution came after an audience with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad at 5pm at Istana Bukit Serene today.

“Sultan Ibrahim has assented to signing a declaration to dissolve the Johor state assembly to allow a state election.

“Earlier, Sultan Iskandar gave audience to Menteri Besar Hasni at 5pm at Istana Bukit Serene.

“Hasni was accompanied by state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani, who presented the dissolution declaration,” the Facebook post reads.

This will pave the way for snap polls in the state, as hoped by Umno following the death of Bersatu’s Kempas Assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian on December 21.

His death had left the Perikatan Nasional-led state administration with a razor-thin majority of only one seat, with 28 held against Pakatan Harapan’s 27.

Earlier today, Hasni told reporters that he has obtained the agreement of Umno division chiefs to hold the Johor state elections.

Before his audience with Sultan Iskandar, he was understood to have held a state executive council meeting at Kota Iskandar.

Hasni is expected to hold a press conference later at 6pm. 

Two other states also saw recent snap elections, with the ruling state government of both states successfully managing to defend their position. 

In Melaka, the state election on November 20 saw Barisan Nasional winning the state polls by clinching 21 of the 28 seats contested, with PH claiming five seats and PN garnering only two seats. 

Meanwhile, in Sarawak, the state election held on December 18 witnessed the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s return to power by winning 76 of the 82 seats among the constituencies. 

Opposition party Parti Sarawak Bersatu won four seats, while DAP won two seats. – The Vibes, January 22, 2022