Johor sultan threatens snap polls if there is another power struggle
Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said he will dissolve the state assembly should there be another power struggle in the state.
Article 23(2) of the Johor state constitution states that the sultan has the power to dissolve the state assembly. It does not state this must be made at the request of the menteri besar...
Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said he will dissolve the state assembly should there be another power struggle in the state.
"If there is another power struggle between elected representatives, I will dissolve the Johor state assembly immediately," he said in a statement.
Article 23(2) of the Johor state constitution states that the sultan has the power to dissolve the state assembly.
However, Article 7(1) of the constitution states that the ruler in exercising his functions must act on the advise of the state government.
Article 7(2)(b) states that the sultan may act in his discretion to withhold consent for the dissolution of the state assembly.
"I will give the opportunity to the people of Johor to decide on their new elected representatives and I hope this time they will pick those who truly want to serve the people and the state, not their party or themselves," Sultan Ibrahim also said.
Johor Pakatan Harapan claims that they have the numbers to seize back the state after Perikatan Nasional took over in February.
Speculation is that Harapan will secure Bersatu assemblypersons who want to cross over from PN.
PN has just 29 state seats in Johor, against 27 from Harapan. A single defection from PN would cause a hung assembly.
Sultan Ibrahim said he was very disappointed with the current political crisis in the state "when there are power-crazed leaders and a squabble over positions for self-interest".
He said these leaders were only adding to the people's hardships, amid this trying times - in reference to the Covid-19 pandemic.
PN had come to power in February after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the Gambir assemblyperson, took his party out of Harapan.
Sultan Ibrahim then held interviews with assemblypersons and was satisfied that PN had a majority to form a state government.
However, Johor Bersatu leaders have since been at odds with Umno, over claims of being sidelined for political appointments.
Muhyiddin, who is the prime minister, had moved to resolve the conflict.
Malaysiakini understands that despite this, disgruntled Bersatu leaders have been in negotiations with Harapan about forming a state government again.
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