Revolt brewing amid rumours of Johor Bersatu meet

Speculation of a potential revolt is growing following a meeting of Johor Bersatu leaders this afternoon.

Sources told Malaysiakini that 23 of 26 division chiefs attended today's meeting in Johor Bahru, purportedly to resist the appointment of Puteri Wangsa assemblyperson Mazlan Bujang as the new chief of the Bersatu state chapter.

The proposal was to retain Osman Sapian – who lasted less than a year as Johor menteri besar amid a fumbling tenure and falling out with the party's central leadership – as the Johor Bersatu chief.

Following Osman's resignation as menteri besar on April 9, he was also removed as Johor Bersatu chief, with party president Muhyiddin Yassin taking over in the interim.

On April 29, Mazlan received his letter of appointment as the new chief from the Bersatu secretary-general.

Five divisions against

A source familiar with the matter told Malaysiakini that at least five divisions are fiercely opposed to Mazlan's (photo) appointment. 

It is unclear, however, if other division chiefs are receptive to the idea of restoring Osman to the position.

The three divisions aligned to Mazlan – Pagoh, Tebrau and Pulai – were said to have been left out of this afternoon's meeting.

When contacted, one of the division chiefs aligned to Osman, who declined to be named, denied any such meeting took place.

However, another source close to Mazlan said he had caught wind of the meeting.

"The meeting was to reject Mazlan's appointment as Johor Bersatu chief," he said.

The source claimed Osman was being backed by an influential Bersatu leader in Johor.

Mazlan was also dropped as exco after a reshuffle following the installation of the new Johor menteri besar. 

Dr Sahruddin Jamal (photo) was sworn in as the Johor menteri besar on April 14.

Previously, Osman had claimed that the Johor sultan set a prerequisite for assenting to Sahruddin's appointment, which was to have an exco reshuffle.

The reshuffle saw Mazlan, as well as DAP's Tan Hong Pin, dropped from the exco line-up.

'Too late to change'

The source said he was unclear why the influential Johor Bersatu leader was against Mazlan and supportive of Osman.

However, the source indicated that the move may be too late.

"Even though the Bersatu secretary-general said his (Mazlan's) appointment is effective May 25, the letter he received said it was effective immediately."

It remains to be seen whether the Bersatu divisions are prepared to back Osman over Mazlan, and whether the central leadership would be receptive to such a development. - Mkini