Palace declares new coalition gov't in Johor after interviewing 54 of 56 reps
The Johor Palace has declared that a new coalition government will take over the state.
In a statement, the palace said that after interviewing 54 out of 56 assemblypersons yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was "satisfied that the new coalition has a simple majority to form the government."...
The Johor Palace has declared that a new coalition government will take over the state.
In a statement, the palace said that after interviewing 54 out of 56 assemblypersons yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was "satisfied that the new coalition has a simple majority to form the government."
It said 28 assemblypersons had backed a new coalition, while 26 had backed the existing Pakatan Harapan government.
The two assemblypersons who were absent yesterday were Amanah's Simpang Jeram Salahuddin Ayub and Johor Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang.
When contacted, an exasperated Sallahudin said he did not go down to Johor yesterday because he was meeting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara.
The King was interviewing Harapan and Bersatu MPs to decide on a new federal government.
Muhyiddin had left the Istana Negara at 11.30am, while Amanah lawmakers only arrived around 12pm.
Meanwhile, Mazlan said he had not yet made a decision on which side to back.
"I don't know, I still have not made a decision," he told Malaysiakini.
He said yesterday that the sultan had granted him time to weigh his options
"Sultan did give me (time to make a consideration)... Tuanku is okay.
“Yes we (Bersatu) quit from Harapan but this does not mean that we are supporting BN,” he also said.
His views echo that of interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who did not want to work with Umno as a party.
The 28 assemblypersons in support of a new coalition are believed to include one PKR assemblyperson.
PKR sources had pointed the finger at Pemanis assemblyperson Dr Chong Fat Full.
On Tuesday, Chong told Malaysiakini his alignment was "neutral", but today he declared that he was backing Harapan.
On Tuesday, Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad had told Malaysiakini that defection from PKR had been assured by "their bosses in KL" in what is believed to be referring to Azmin Ali's faction.
The Johor state assembly had become hung 28-28 after Bersatu left Harapan on Monday.
The palace statement said the incumbent Menteri Besar Saharuddin Jamal and Hasni had informed Sultan Ibrahim of the new coalition yesterday, prompting the interview with assemblypersons.
The palace says the new coalition has the right to nominate a menteri besar before a new state cabinet is appointed.
"His Majesty hopes the new Johor government is formed immediately to ensure development in the state proceeds smoothly for the advancement and wellbeing of all Johor citizens," it said.
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