Johor gov't refuses to take back opposition leader's perks

The Johor government has refused to take back the perks provided for state opposition leader Hasni Mohammad, even though although Hasni has renounced them in protest.

In a statement yesterday, Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian said the government has provided the opposition leader with an allocation of RM50,000, a monthly allowance of RM3,000 and a room as recognition for his role in the state.

“The government will not withdraw the allowance and the office facilities provided since it is one of the state’s recognition of an administration based on parliamentary democracy.

“However, the demand to attend District Action Committee meetings cannot be obliged. As opposition leader, he (Hasni) should understand that democracy has its limits.

“To allow him to attend the meetings would be as though the government today is a unity government,” Osman said.

He said Hasni  would still be welcome to attend official state functions, such as the state-level National Day celebrations and other official programmes.

On Sunday, Bernama reported Hasni (photo) announcing that he would be returning the opposition leader’s room at Bangunan Sultan Ismail and the RM3,000 monthly allowance he received during the last six months.

Hasni reportedly made the announcement during a debate at the Johor legislative assembly, where he claimed that state government did not practice democracy and transparency as it preached.

He claimed that the state government did not allow opposition members to attend the district action council meetings, school events and almost all state government events, which showed that it failed to practice democracy.

“It is meaningless for us (the opposition) to have an office and paid an allowance, it is better that I return the office and allowance for the last six months,” he said.

In response, Osman chastised the Benut assemblyperson, saying that he has failed in performing his role as an opposition leader, and was absconding from his responsibilities.

He said Hasni should instead practise “mature politics” by giving constructive criticism, such as ideas on improving the state’s 2019 Budget proposal.

“It shows that their cries for democracy all this while are nothing more than rhetoric to regain the people’s sympathy and support after it had been eroded by the integrity issues of the BN leaders.

“In fact, the democracy practised by the Pakatan Harapan-led government is much better than the democracy practised by the previous state government,” Osman added. - Mkini