Johor Harapan not serious about recognising opposition, Umno chief claims

The Johor Pakatan Harapan state government is not serious about recognising the role of the opposition, claimed state opposition leader Hasni Mohammad.

The Benut assemblyperson claimed the state government would not be following the federal manifesto for an opposition representative to head the state’s public accounts committee (PAC).

"When I asked the speaker's office secretary if we would be getting the chairperson of the PAC post, she said no.

"They are not serious about recognising the opposition in their effort to develop and run the state," Hasni told Malaysiakini.

He added the role of the opposition leader had also allegedly not been given any proper recognition.

The Johor Umno chief claimed he has been allocated an allowance of only RM1,000 a month, as well an office without any staff.

Harapan in its federal manifesto had said the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat would be given a status and provisions equal to a minister.

Meanwhile, Johor menteri besar Osman Sapian in his first day in office said he would continue the previous BN government's policy of not giving the opposition funding, citing budget constraints.

After receiving brickbats, including from Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, the Johor government eventually decided all state assemblypersons from both sides of the fence would get an allocation of RM50,000.

Previously, Selangor Umno-BN raised eyebrows when it refused to chair the Selangor PAC as the state opposition in the prior to the 14th general election. -Mkini