MP laments 'violation' of parliamentary democracy in Johor MB crisis

A PKR lawmaker has lamented on what he deemed to be a violation of the country's democratic principles in the Johor menteri besar crisis.

In clear reference to Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim (above) said it was evident that the people had voted for the former to lead the state government.

However, he said despite Hasni leading BN to a whopping victory, the palace had elected to appoint a menteri besar who was not the choice of the majority of voters.

"This clearly shows that the people's choice for menteri besar was rejected by the palace.

"This incident is very tragic, as it was clear there was a violation of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which form the basis of the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara of our country," Hassan said in a statement today.

Hasni Mohammad

BN had campaigned with the assurance that Hasni would return for a second term in office if the coalition won the Johor polls.

However, despite commanding the support of 38 out of 40 BN lawmakers, Hasni's reappointment as menteri besar met with an unexpected obstacle from what sources said was a "higher power".

The higher power reportedly preferred Machap assemblyperson Onn Hafiz Ghazi to take the reins, and Hasni relented.

Onn Hafiz - who is the great-grandson of Umno founder Onn Jaafar - was sworn in as menteri besar yesterday. - Mkini