Hasni: Johor govt can't function based on opposition's goodwill

 

The BN-led Johor government with a single-seat majority in the 56-seat state assembly cannot continue to function based on the "goodwill" of the opposition, said incumbent menteri besar Hasni Mohammad.

Hasni (above) said initial considerations were made on whether to hold a by-election for the Kempas state seat that fell vacant after the passing of former menteri besar Osman Sapian last December but the plans did not proceed following major floods in Selangor, Pahang and Johor.

"I am of the view that the state government needs to continue efforts to return Johor to how it used to be.

"A dynamic state, a fast developing state with programmes in the people's interests.

"These matters must continue but it depends on the state government's position that can be said is functioning based on the goodwill of the opposition. I feel this (situation) should not at any time happen in Johor," he told reporters at a press conference with BN leaders in Johor Baru.

Hasni said this following an audience with Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and the monarch's consent for the dissolution of the state assembly, paving the way for a state election.

Johor state assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat

Asked to elaborate, he cited an example of when state assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat, from Pakatan Harapan, had given his deciding vote to BN after both the government and opposition reached a draw with 27 representatives each.

"The speaker is not from the government but maybe he had on his own goodwill to ensure the government can continue to run, given the deciding vote to the government.

"That is what I meant by functioning on goodwill. With only one majority, no one can deny the Johor government is unstable," he said, citing various initiatives under the state budget this year and the state's long-term potential for development.

Umno aims for more seats 

On Umno's chances, Hasni expressed confidence in the party's ability to mobilise its machinery, eyeing more seats to contest compared to the last 14th general election.

He added that BN component party leaders are expected to meet soon to finalise seat allocations and candidacy.

Once regarded a BN stronghold, the coalition lost Johor for the first time in 2018 with Harapan taking over.

However, BN regained control of the state following the Sheraton Move. - Mkini