KUALA LUMPUR – The customary debates at the Umno general assembly, which typically feature a speaker from each state, has one glaring absentee this year: its Johor representatives.
It is understood the state delegates are skipping this year’s debates in solidarity with Johor Umno liaison chief Datuk Hasni Mohammad, who was overlooked for the menteri besar position.
They are believed to be shocked by the decision of certain quarters to drop Hasni in favour of Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the nephew of Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Hasni was initially tipped to retain the position he held prior to the dissolution of the state assembly.
It is believed the Johor palace might have played a role in the appointment of Onn Hafiz.
The absence of debaters from Johor was confirmed through a list of names taking part in the debates today and tomorrow that was made available to the media.
Other states feature one speaker each, while the debates will also see representatives from the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, as well as from the Umno Veteran, Overseas and Alumni clubs.
The Vibes was also made to understand that no Johor delegates took part in the debate sessions for the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings yesterday.
When contacted, Johor Umno deputy chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the state delegates’ decision to skip the debates this year was that they were too broken-hearted.
“The delegates are so heartbroken after the massive election victory that they are speechless,” he said in a brief message to The Vibes.
The absence of the Johor delegates during debates confirms a previous report by Bernama on Tuesday, which said state grassroots will not be involved in the sessions. – The Vibes, March 18, 2022
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