JOHOR BARU: The Johor state election must be carried out because the state government is very unstable to the point that it is at the "mercy of the opposition."
State Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the state government was fragile and this situation should not persist.
The menteri besar said a detailed analysis was conducted following the death of Kempas assemblyman, Datuk Osman Sapian and whether there should be a by-election after the seat fell vacant.
He said the state government came to a decision to call for a state election following incidents that culminated in a supposed "guarantee" for stability coming from the opposition.
"An incident involving the Johor opposition and a proposal on their involvement in the district action councils during a state assembly sitting after the 2022 state budget tabling in November, changed my stance (on the matter).
"This happened when a vote was taken, which led to a tie of 27 votes (for and against the proposal) at the legislature.
"State assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat decided in favour of the state government, and it resulted in a 28 against 27 vote tally to avoid a hung Johor government.
"The incident proved that the Johor government was very much unstable and was at the mercy of the opposition. The committment given by the opposition (later) was mere lip service. Therefore, Johor Umno and I decided to seek for a new mandate from the people to establish a stronger state government," he told a press conference at the state Umno Liaision Committee headquarters in Jalan Yahya Awal here today.
Hasni said a stronger state government will lead to more development for the state and its people, and it will allow the state government to not merely move forward at the mercy of the opposition.
Also present at today's meeting were Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and other state Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders.
Hasni, who is Benut assemblyman had earlier chaired the state Umno Liaison Committee meeting.
He was later granted an audience by the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to seek for the dissolution of the state assembly.
The ruler had signed the dissolution letter for the state assembly, which will take effect today.
Hasni said following the dissolution of the state assembly, it was up to Suhaizan to make the official announcement and convey the matter to the Election Commission.
The EC will have 60 days to set a date for the state election.
"The state assembly has been dissolved, so it is up to the speaker and the EC to do the needful."
He said Umno's chances in the state polls were very good due to the commitment given by the party's machinery, which are always prepared and have always adhered to directives given by the party and state leadership.
"We have a good chance in the state election and we are hoping to win more seats as compared to the 14th General Election," he said.
When commenting on the distribution of seats, Hasni said he was confident the matter would be resolved soon.
"Umno, MCA and MIC at national-level will hold discussions and determine the distribution of seats. We will wait for the decision by the leadership."
Asked on the possiblity of Johor BN going solo in the state polls, he said such matters were the perogative of the coalition's top leadership.
"At state-level, we will give our feedback and suggestions, including in the matter of cooperation even among BN partners.
"I will discuss the matter at state-level, and I will convey it to the top leadership for them to decide. However, the window for us to cooperate with any party has not closed," said Hasni.