GE14 | Caretaker Johor menteri besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin conceded that the BN failed to defend state government and gave his assurance that there will be a peaceful transition of power once Harapan decides on its menteri besar.

“The people have voted their representatives. As Johor BN chief, I accept the result with an open heart.

“I congratulate Harapan for successfully forming the new state government. I will ensure a smooth power transition.

“I wish the new government all the best and that it can take care of Bangsa Johor's interest,” Khaled told a press conference at the state Umno headquarters today.

However, he refused to divulge any reason for the defeat of BN in Johor, saying a post-mortem would be done.

He also said the party would discuss the selection of the BN representative to be picked as the state opposition leader, but refused to give further details.

Hasni Mohamad willing to take the post

Umno veteran and the re-elected assemblyperson for Benut, Hasni Mohamad, said he was willing to take up the position.

“Based on the consensus of the party, I may be the opposition leader. I don't mind carrying out the responsibility.”

Hasni admitted that Umno has disengaged with the general public, contributing to its biggest defeat in the Johor.

“Because we in Umno disengaged ourselves from the general public. We failed to understand the expectations of the people. We only work with our own members.

“In our campaign, most of the time we were talking to our machinery. We didn't talk to the general public.”

He said he did not foresee that the BN would lose so badly.

Hasni was Pontian MP from 2004 to 2008. He was then elected as the Benut assemblyperson, from 2008 to 2018, during which he held a state executive council position.