ISKANDAR PUTERI – The setting up of a caucus comprising 24 MPs from Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) can help stimulate Johor’s development, said Johor BN chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.
Hasni said discussions to set up the caucus are expected to be held after the swearing-in ceremony for MPs in the Dewan Rakyat on December 19.
“Generally in Johor, many issues need to be addressed and focused on by the federal government. Among them are upgrading highways, attracting investors, and enhancing facilities at the international entry points that involve ferry terminals.
“The setting up of the caucus will bring additional development to Johor and bridge relationships among Johor MPs to collectively voice important points that involve the state’s welfare,” said the Simpang Renggam MP outside the Johor assembly hall here today.
Earlier, opposition leader Liew Chin Tong (Perling-DAP) had suggested to Hasni (Benut-BN) when debating the 2023 budget that a caucus of MPs from Johor should be set up comprising 24 MPs from BN and PH.
In the 15th general election, BN only managed to win nine of the 26 federal seats contested in Johor – Simpang Renggam, Parit Sulong, Ayer Hitam, Pontian, Kota Tinggi, Tenggara, Pengerang, Sembrong, and Tanjung Piai – while PH won 14 seats, Perikatan Nasional managed two seats, and Muda won one.
The Johor assembly continues tomorrow. – Bernama, December 4, 2022