Johor opposition expects snap polls soon after CNY
The Johor opposition is expecting the state assembly to be dissolved soon after Chinese New Year next month to pave the way for yet another snap election.
Pulai MP and Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said he had received information from credible sources speculating that Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad will be ordered by his party to force the elections.
The Johor opposition is expecting the state assembly to be dissolved soon after Chinese New Year next month to pave the way for yet another snap election.
Pulai MP and Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said he had received information from credible sources speculating that Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad will be ordered by his party to force the elections.
"They are only delaying it because they are afraid the rakyat would scold them as they (the people) are busy and saddened by the floods, which are happening nationwide and which hit Johor last week," he added.
Johor does not need to go to the polls until mid-2023. However, speculation of a snap election has been swirling since the death of Kempas assemblyperson Osman Sapian, resulting in a shaky one-seat majority for the BN-led administration.
A Johor Umno source close to the party leadership who spoke to Malaysiakini lent credence to claims that a snap election was looming.
This source said that the party was indeed preparing for a state election and waiting for the right time.
"Umno is ready to face a state election in order to get a new and stronger mandate from the rakyat.
"We are confident that we will get the rakyat's support. We are just waiting for the 'green light' to dissolve the state assembly," said the source on condition of anonymity.
If the Johor elections are held, it will mark the fourth state elections during the Covid-19 pandemic and after the 2018 general elections.
Bersatu's chances not looking up
Traditionally, state elections are held together simultaneously with Parliamentary elections, except in the case of Sarawak.
However, BN has found that holding state elections can now be their advantage. The party returned to power following the Sabah elections in 2020 and made a huge comeback during the Malacca elections last year.
Two Bersatu assemblypersons - Bukit Kepong lawmaker Sahruddin Jamal and Puteri Wangsa assemblyperson Mazlan Bujang - told Malaysiakini that they were not expecting snap elections.
"There are no signs that the Johor state assembly will be dissolved. That is mere speculation. I am just relaxing here in my constituency and making preparations for more floods," said the former menteri besar.
Currently, Bersatu's chances in a snap election are not looking up. During the Malacca elections last year, the party fielded 15 candidates, of which only two won.
Johor is a key state for Bersatu, where it won eight seats during the 2018 legislative assembly elections and currently has 11 assemblypersons.
This state is also the home state of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.
Meanwhile, Johor speaker Suhaizan Kayat opined that there was no need for the state assembly to be dissolved right now.
The Amanah politician stressed that the rakyat is still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic.
"BN still has a one-vote advantage. The government has lasted thus far with a slim majority, and there have not been any problems," he told Malaysiakini.
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