Johor DAP rep moots 'Perak formula' for more stable state govt

 

A new Johor state government based on Perak's example of possible cooperation between Umno and the DAP could prove to be more stable, a Johor DAP assemblyperson said today.

Paloh assemblyperson Sheikh Omar Ali (above) said the 56-seat Johor assembly currently comprises 14 representatives from Umno, Bersatu (12), MIC (two) and PAS (one) as the government, while Pakatan Harapan has 27 seats.

"If the Perak formula is used, Umno with 14 seats combined with Harapan's 27 seats will form 41 seats, whereby the figure is much higher than the current number.

"Forty-one seats in the state-assembly comprise more than a two-thirds majority. This is a very stable and convincing position," said Sheikh Omar, who was a state executive council member under the previous Harapan state administration.

Unlike in Perak, where Umno had moved against incumbent menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu (above) from Bersatu, Sheikh Omar noted the situation in Johor was only slightly different as Umno already holds the menteri besar post.

"On the question of being in agreement or otherwise, that is a different issue. But in terms of numbers, yes.

"Certainly, if Umno cooperates with Harapan in Johor, it will further strengthen the state government's position," he said.

Earlier today, Umno’s Pengkalan Bharu assemblyperson Abdul Manaf Hashim initiated the confidence motion against Faizal and it was fast-tracked after emergency motions by Umno and DAP.

A total of 48 assemblypersons voted against Faizal while 10 others voted to retain him as menteri besar.

Umno has 25 state seats and needs another five to form the next government.

The remaining seats comprise three PAS representatives, six from Bersatu, 16 from DAP, five from Amanah and three from PKR.

Perak Umno leader Nazri Abdul Aziz told Malaysiakini that Faizal's ouster today was sparked by a period of unhappiness which culminated with the unilateral appointment of Umno's Pengkalan Hulu assemblyperson Aznel Ibrahim as his political secretary.

Nazri was separately quoted as saying that Umno must work together with Amanah and PKR to form the new Perak state government. - Mkini