Muhyiddin says PN ready for Johor polls

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin today said that his coalition was ready to face the election in Johor following the dissolution of the state legislative assembly last weekend.

However Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president, said PN had not been consulted about the move despite being part of the previous state government.

“As part of preparations for the state election, PN will hold talks with its component parties to finalise the distribution of seats as well as its election machinery.”

In a statement, he said that if given the mandate by the people at the state election, PN would form a government with integrity which cared about the people and would focus its whole attention on the efficient delivery of services for their well-being and prosperity.

The previous government led by Barisan Nasional had had 28 state seats through Umno (14 seats), MIC (two), Bersatu (11) and PAS (one) while Pakatan Harapan held 27 seats through DAP (14), PKR (seven), and Amanah (six).

Johor Bersatu information chief Mohd Solihan Badri was earlier reported to have said that the decision to dissolve the state assembly was made unilaterally and had sidelined Bersatu and PAS.

However Johor BN chairman Hasni Mohammad said there was no requirement to obtain the consent of other parties in dissolving the assembly.

Muhyiddin, who is a Johor assemblyman, urged those eligible to turn out on voting day, voicing hope that the SOPs would strike a balance between preventing the spread of Covid-19 and providing the opportunity for parties to campaign in a free, fair and safe manner.

“I also welcome all new voters including those aged 18 and above who will exercise their democratic right to vote for the first time in the Johor polls,” he said.

“Fulfil your right and responsibility with wisdom.”