Johor Bersatu rep makes public break with Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu’s Puteri Wangsa assemblyman Mazlan Bujang said he will not contest under the party’s banner during the upcoming Johor election.

Mazlan, who is Tebrau Bersatu chief, indicated that he was no longer aligned with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, reported Berita Harian.

However, Mazlan maintained that he was still a member of the party, adding that he will decide his political future within this week.

“Let’s wait a day or two before I make a final decision. But what is certain is that I will not be contesting under the Bersatu ticket in the Johor election,” Mazlan was quoted as saying.

“This is because I no longer agree with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin and I don’t see a future with the party.

“Bersatu does not belong to Muhyiddin because the leadership can always change, therefore I will not be with a party led by him because our principles are not the same.”

Last Saturday, Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar assented to dissolve 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 Istana Bukit Serene.

The death of Bersatu’s Kempas assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian on December 21 had left the Perikatan Nasional-led state government with a razor-thin majority of only one seat, with 28 held against Pakatan Harapan’s 27.

On January 20, Mazlan, who is also Johor Education, Information, Heritage and Culture committee chairman, said he would consider retiring from politics if a state election was called.

He had also denied rumours that he would contest as an independent candidate.

“I don’t want to be with Bersatu, which is led by the former prime minister.”

Mazlan also brushed aside speculation that he has received offers to join other parties.

“So far, no party offered me anything, but I’m not sure of what is to come.” – The Vibes, January 24, 2022