JOHOR BARU: Caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has denied claims by Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi that he had said the palace "ordered" the dissolution of the state assembly.
In a statement, Onn Hafiz said the allegation was inaccurate and misleading.
He clarified that the dissolution of the Johor state assembly was done only after receiving consent from Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in line with Article 23, Part Two of the Johor State Constitution 1895.
He added that the menteri besar could not dissolve the assembly at will, as the process must comply with the state constitution and takes effect only upon royal consent.
Onn Hafiz said he had an audience with the Regent and presented the matter before publicly announcing the dissolution.
"Receiving royal consent is a constitutional process and does not in any way constitute an instruction or political interference," he said.
He said it was irresponsible to misrepresent the constitutional process in a way that could suggest royal involvement in Umno Johor's political affairs.
While acknowledging that Puad is free to hold differing views and leave the party, he said the remarks were serious and risked touching on sensitive 3R issues involving the royal institution, potentially affecting public harmony.
He added that Johor Umno would lodge a police report to allow authorities to investigate the matter.
Onn Hafiz urged all parties to respect the royal institution, uphold the Federal and Johor state constitutions, and avoid dragging it into political disputes. - NST
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