Snap polls on the cards in Johor due to brewing tension between Umno, Bersatu
The tension between Umno and Bersatu could lead to a snap polls in the southern state, according to a high ranking Johor Umno source.
Speaking to Malaysiakini this afternoon, he said this would be an option if Bersatu did not desist from pressuring Umno over political appointments...
The tension between Umno and Bersatu could lead to a snap polls in the southern state, according to a high ranking Johor Umno source.
Speaking to Malaysiakini this afternoon, he said this would be an option if Bersatu did not desist from pressuring Umno over political appointments.
"Bersatu has been trying to pressure for positions but Umno has countered back with the threat of state elections," he added on condition of anonymity.
Johor Bersatu has been complaining that political appointments, including to state GLCs, were not done in an equitable manner and accused Umno of sidelining it.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) formed the state government in Johor after Bersatu defected from Pakatan Harapan to join hands with BN and PAS.
The source believes that when faced with a possible snap polls, Bersatu would back down.
"Johor Umno is much stronger, we can win the polls on our own.
"We hold all the cards. Who are they (Bersatu) going to turn to, Harapan? Obviously that is not going to happen," he added.
The Johor state legislative assembly has 56 seats, out of which both Umno and DAP have 14 each. The remaining seats are held by Bersatu (11), Amanah (9), PKR (4), MIC (2), PAS (1) and one independent.
Former MB: Sultan, not state government's call
Former Johor menteri besar Osman Sapian, however, said dissolving the state assembly is not within the jurisdiction of the state government.
"That is the sultan's prerogative," he told Malaysiakini.
Section 7(2)(b) of the Johor Constitution states the monarch has the discretion to "withhold consent" on a request to dissolve the state assembly.
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Osman said as partners in PN, Johor Umno must also discuss the matter of dissolution with the coalition's top leadership, including incumbent Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.
"If they don't discuss this (with the PN leadership), then they are disrespecting Bersatu as a PN member," he added.
Likewise, Osman said political appointments must also be discussed with the PN leadership.
"They must discuss it with the top leadership, only then we will know if this matter can be resolved.
"We Johor Bersatu division leaders have so far not been invited to such discussions," he added.
Meanwhile, Johor Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang was more optimistic that a win-win solution could be found.
"I have confidence in the leadership of Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammed. He is a competent menteri besar.
"I have met the menteri besar and he is now looking into the matter. Soon, there may be a win-win situation," he added.
Read more: Johor Bersatu should have followed Mukhriz's lead - Harapan reps
Downplaying the tension, Mazlan said disagreements within a coalition or party is part and parcel of politics and this particular tiff over appointments was not a serious matter.
The state exco member also pointed out that the state government is functioning in a smooth manner.
On April 27, Johor Bersatu leader Mohd Solihan Badri penned a public essay, urging Umno not to neglect Bersatu because both parties needed each other to rule the state.
Solihan, who is a state exco member and Tenang lawmaker, also said that Bersatu's inclusion in political appointments such as GLCs must be part of the "rules" for PN's collaboration.
Other Johor Bersatu leaders, including Osman, have since voiced out over the same matter.
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