With a Johor Pakatan Harapan menteri besar to be sworn in today, three Umno assemblypersons have defected to Bersatu, giving the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority in the state assembly.

The trio are Rasman Ithnain (Sedili), Rosleli Jahari (Johor Lama) and Alwiyah Talib (Endau).

In a press conference held in Johor Bahru, Rasman said the move was made to preserve "Malay unity."

“Our move is for Malay unity and the people. Later, we will apply for Bersatu membership... We have to acknowledge the current scenario and the will of the people. 

“We need to change according to people's will, following their rhythm.”

At the press conference, Johor Bersatu secretary Osman Sapian called the move a “big sacriface” and welcomed the three new Harapan recruits.

“I thank the BN reps for joining Harapan. I think it is a big sacriface for Bangsa Johor and Malaysian unity. We want to see Johor continue to develop.” 

'We made a miscalculation'

Meanwhile, incoming state opposition leader Hasni Mohammad (photo) slammed the trio as betraying the will of the constituents.

“We miscalculated them by fielding them. This is despite us knowing they were unsatisfied before the nomination, and demanded MP candidacies. They thought they deserved more...

“By jumping ship, it is unfair to the voters who elected them,” the BN Benut assemblyperson told Malaysiakini when contacted.

Asked whether BN will move a motion to enact anti-hopping law, Hasni said that did not see the need.

“Umno won't resort to that, as we are the biggest party in the state assembly. There is no need for an anti-hopping law.”

Hasni said he did not foresee more Umno or BN reps jumping ship.

In the 56-seat Johor assembly, 29 are required for a simple majority, and 38 for two-thirds.

Harapan had obtained 36 in Wednesday’s polls, with DAP winning 14, Amanah 9, Bersatu 8 and PKR 5.

With today’s defections, Harapan now has 39 seats – and Bersatu 11 – while BN’s seats are reduced to just 16.