Khaled: Johor assembly dissolution timely, avoids monsoon and festive clashes

KOTA TINGGI: The dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly yesterday to pave the way for the 16th Johor state election is timely, says Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the polls, which must be held within 60 days, would not clash with the monsoon season or major festive periods.

“Johor only has a few months left before the end of its term. Ideally, the state election should be held in April next year when the term expires. But we know it rains heavily in November, December and January. Floods in Kota Tinggi are common, as in other areas, so it cannot be held then. By February and March, it is already the Hari Raya festive period, and Johor also has an extended celebration.

“If this is the right time, then let it be. I don’t see the problem. Return the mandate to the people,” said Khaled, who is also Defence Minister.

The Kota Tinggi Member of Parliament was speaking at a casual dialogue session with rental car and taxi drivers at the Kota Tinggi Bus and Taxi Terminal here today.

Yesterday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the state assembly was dissolved to make way for the 16th state election.

Under legal provisions, the Election Commission has up to 60 days after dissolution to hold the polls.

In the 15th Johor state election in March 2022, Barisan Nasional (BN) formed the state government after winning 40 of the 56 seats contested.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) won 12 seats, with DAP securing 10, while PKR and Amanah won one seat each. Perikatan Nasional (PN) won three seats, and Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (Muda) won one seat.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times