The Johor government is facing mounting scrutiny over its appointment of 10 deputy executive councillors, with critics questioning the legal basis for the new posts and calling for greater transparency over their roles, powers, and cost to taxpayers.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim argued that neither the Johor state constitution nor the Federal Constitution provides for the appointment of deputy exco members.
Johor Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons urged the state government to explain publicly the rationale for the positions, their legal scope, financial implications, and the key performance indicators by which they will be assessed.
Hassan pointed out that Clause 2(b) of Part I of the Eighth Schedule to the Federal Constitution states that, on the advice of the menteri besar, the ruler shall appoint not more than 10, and not fewer than four members of the legislative assembly to the state executive council.
"This means that, under the Federal Constitution, in relation to the establishment of the state executive council, including in Johor, the number of members cannot exceed 10.
"As it stands, the (Johor) regent has already appointed 10 exco members on the advice of the menteri besar. That is in order," said Hassan (above).
"However, another 10 Johor state assemblypersons have now been appointed as deputy exco members.
"I have thoroughly referred to the Federal Constitution, and there is no provision in it for the position of deputy exco," Hassan said, urging Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the Johor state legal adviser to look into the matter.
Yesterday, Onn announced the appointment of 10 deputy exco members, which he said had received the consent of Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
The appointments are said to be part of efforts to strengthen the state government’s administrative capacity and its policy delivery, while aligning with the "Maju Johor 2030" framework.
The bulk of the appointed figures consist of Umno assemblypersons, with seven from the BN linchpin followed by two from MCA and one from MIC.
Clear explanation needed
In a joint statement today, Harapan state assemblypersons who form the opposition bloc in the state assembly said the people of Johor deserve a clear explanation on the rationale for the appointments.
The eight representatives noted that the Johor government has long operated with an established executive structure supported by a professional civil service, implementing agencies, and ministerial support staff.
"If there is indeed a demonstrable capacity gap that necessitates the creation of 10 additional political appointments, what objective evidence supports that conclusion?
"Secondly, the public deserves to understand how the role of a deputy exco differs from that of the existing excos, and how these appointments will improve policy coordination and administrative delivery rather than introduce overlapping responsibilities, blurred accountability, or additional bureaucratic layers," they said.
They also warned that the financial implications of this decision cannot be treated as incidental, at a time when many Johoreans continue to face rising living costs, while the state is left to manage pressing development priorities.
"What is the total cost to the state, including allowances, administrative support, staffing, and operational expenditure? More importantly, what measurable public value is expected in return?" the group questioned.
The statement was signed by Johor opposition chief Andrew Chen (Stulang), Maszlee Malik (Puteri Wangsa), Felicia Poh (Penggaram), Ng Yak Howe (Bentayan), Wong Bor Yang (Senai), Chu Poh Yee (Mengkibol), Kartiyaini Jeyapalan (Skudai) and Nazri Abdul Rahman (Simpang Jeram).
They stressed that in a mature parliamentary democracy, expanding the number of political office holders is not, in itself, evidence of stronger governance.
They argued that if the objective is leadership development or portfolio support, the reasoning should be stated openly, along with measurable performance indicators.
"A government that is confident in its decisions should have no hesitation in explaining them to the people it serves.
"Accordingly, we respectfully call upon the Johor state government to make public the policy rationale for establishing the deputy positions, the responsibilities and legal scope of each appointment, the full financial implications for the state, and the Key Performance Indicators against which these appointments will be assessed."
Executive authority
Echoing Hassan’s sentiment, Parti Bersama Malaysia’s former Johor Jaya candidate Lau Yi Leong took to X to question the legitimacy behind the Johor government's move and urged Onn to provide full disclosure on the move.
Lau said under the Johor Government Constitution 1895 (Article 4, Part Two), executive authority is vested in the exco, which is headed by the menteri besar, adding that this also does not mention or provide for the existence of deputy exco roles.
"This situation is very different from the federal government. At the federal level, the appointment of deputy ministers is specifically recognised and made lawful under Article 43B of the Federal Constitution.
"So why is this a concern? If these appointments are merely as administrative assistants, then perhaps they may still be acceptable. But imagine if these deputy excos members make decisions, sign official documents, or issue policy directives.
"Such actions could be challenged in court as ultra vires (beyond the scope of their powers) and rendered invalid," Lau added.
He also reminded that these appointments involve taxpayers’ money.
"Do these new positions come with salary packages, special allowances, official vehicles, or their own staff? If there are financial implications, were they tabled and legally approved in the state legislative assembly?
"Good governance is not merely about distributing positions to satisfy everyone. It must be based on the law," Lau said. - Mkini
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