Don't spread 'disunity virus' by politicking, Johor sultan tells state assembly
Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar warned the state assembly today not to spread a "disunity virus" by politicking.
This was after rife speculation of a possible standoff between the new Perikatan Nasional state government and Pakatan Harapan...
- UPDATED 11.48PM | Added additional comments from Sultan Ibrahim and background on current political situation in Johor.
Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar warned the state assembly today not to spread a "disunity virus" by politicking.
This was after rife speculation of a possible standoff between the new Perikatan Nasional state government and Pakatan Harapan.
"Now is not the time to bertegang urat, bertikam lidah (be stubborn, squabble) to gain political influence or for self-interest.
"This can lead to the spread of a more dangerous virus, a virus of disunity," Sultan Ibrahim decreed this morning.
Previously, there was speculation that PN would move to remove state speaker Suhaizan Kaiat while Harapan would launch a no-confidence motion against Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad.
Sultan Ibrahim said the virus had already spread among political leaders who were fighting for power and causing political and economic instability.
"Those who are infected with this virus will be self-absorbed, they will not care about the people's interest as long the get to chase after their own self-interest.
"This virus is easily spread through social media, with the help or media agents and cyber troopers who become instigators by creating sensational issues, to spark hate among politicians and the people," he added.
The monarch hoped the "virus" can be curbed so that harmony can be upheld.
The royal decree appears to have taken hold, with the Johor state assembly sitting bucking the trend of political unrest in Malacca and Perak earlier this week.
Both PN and Harapan have said they would abide by the decree.
Johor's political stability had been threatened by a squabble between PN partners Bersatu and Umno over political appointments, with the former accusing the latter of sidelining them.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Gambir assemblyperson, had intervened last week and urged both sides to resolve their dispute, but there still appears to be lingering tensions.
Bersatu is also split among itself between those loyal to Muhyiddin and those who side with Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Harapan.
Johor Harapan chief Aminolhuda Hassan claimed they have the numbers to oust Hasni but said they will save this for a more "appropriate time".
Meanwhile, Sultan Ibrahim in his speech also took the opportunity to thank frontliners involved in the fight against Covid-19.
He also thanked the federal and state governments for giving aid to those in need of assistance during the pandemic.
He urged everyone to maintain social distancing, stressing the prevention is better than cure.
So says the biggest instigator of all... Midin met you before the treachery and you changed the johor gomen yourself..... Podaaaa!
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