[UPDATED] Get to work or get booted out, Johor ruler reminds new exco

JOHOR BARU – Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has a message for the new state exco line-up – “get to work, the honeymoon is over” – as he will not hesitate to replace those who do not live up to expectation.

After the swearing-in ceremony today, he said the exco members must now focus on the promises made to the rakyat during the Johor polls and undertake their responsibilities as per their respective portfolios with the utmost dedication, commitment and sincerity.

“Carry out your duties with responsibility and trustworthiness. Your work begins from this moment. The interests of the state and people are your priority. Cooperate with all concerned in discharging your duties.

“Don’t forget, you’re also elected assemblymen. So, return to your constituencies regularly to meet with the people. Don’t just emerge to campaign or get bogged down with office work. Your honeymoon period is over.

“During the state election, you had made many promises to the people. Now is the time to work with full dedication to fulfil those pledges and promises. I will be constantly monitoring the performance of the exco members.

“You’ve all been given your portfolios. Carry out your work with dedication and commitment. I will not hesitate to replace exco members who do not live up to their expectations.”

Ten state assemblypersons have been sworn in by Sultan Ibrahim as exco members this morning at Istana Bukit Serene.

They are Johor Umno Youth chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah (Larkin), Ledang Umno Wanita chief Khairin Nisa Ismail (Serom), MIC Youth chief K. Raven Kumar (Tenggaroh), Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (Bukit Permai), Datuk Zahari Sarip (Buloh Kasap), and Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (Semerah).

This is followed by Kota Tinggi Umno Puteri chief Norliza Noh (Johor Lama), Johor MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon (Yong Peng), Lee Ting Han (Paloh) and Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh (Bukit Pasir).

Also in attendance are Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim. 

On March 15, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was sworn in as the menteri besar of the state after receiving the consent of Sultan Ibrahim.

The Machap assemblyman was sworn in during a ceremony that took place in Istana Bukit Serene, witnessed by Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Johor Umno state chief Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

During the Johor polls on March 12, Onn Hafiz had defeated three candidates for the Machap seat, with a majority of 11,029 votes.

The 43-year-old is also the grandson of the late former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn and nephew of current Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Two days later, Sultan Ibrahim instructed all incoming state exco members to declare their assets with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) ahead of their appointments.

“They (exco candidates) must also undergo thorough background checks with police and MACC. If (you) are not selected as a state exco member, do not be disheartened. All can provide the best service possible.”

Sultan Ibrahim also ordered for the academic credentials of the candidates to be verified as well.

Barisan Nasional captured Johor in a landslide victory, winning the state election with a more than two-thirds majority, sweeping 40 of the 56 seats up for grabs.

The following is the full list of the new exco:

1. Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (Machap)

Land Revenue, Administration, Finance, Planning and Economic Development Committee chairman

2.Datuk Zahari Sarip (Buloh Kasap) 

Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman

3. Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (Bukit Permai)

Housing and Local Government Committee chairman

4. K. Raven Kumar (Tenggaroh)

Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman

5. Khairin Nisa Ismail (Serom)

Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman

6. Mohd Hairi Mad Shah (Larkin) 

Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources Committee chairman

7. Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (Semerah) 

Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman

8. Ling Tian Soon (Yong Peng)

Health and Unity Committee chairman

9. Lee Ting Han (Paloh)

Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman

10. Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh (Bukit Pasir) 

Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman

11. Norlizah Noh (Johor Lama)

Education, Information and Communications Committee chairman. – The Vibes, March 26, 2022