The Coalition of Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) views with serious concern the recent issue of Johor’s Menteri Besar appointment. This follows the appointment of a different MB apart from the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) sole candidate during the Johor election, Datuk Seri Hasni Mohamad. Since then, DYMM Sultan Johor assented and appointed Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghani, the State Assemblyman for Machap, to be the new MB.

BERSIH sees that this has the potential to create instability in Johor if the current system is not reformed to allow the State Assembly to confirm the support for the new MB of Johor.

BERSIH urges MB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to table a vote of confidence on himself to prove that he has the support of the majority of State Assemblypersons in the State Assembly. The vote of confidence is vital as BN had previously, in its election campaign, designated Datuk Seri Hasni Mohamad as their MB candidate and it is said that 38 BN Assemblymen had signed Statutory Declarations (SD) to support Hasni as MB.

BERSIH urges the Johor State Government under BN to amend the Johor State Constitution and Standing Order of the State Assembly to established a Confirmatory Vote of Confidence mechanism to confirm the appointment of any new MB after an election or during midterm, to validate the legitimacy of a new Menteri Besar, thus reducing the possibility of midterm change of governments.

The Constructive Vote of No Confidence (CVNC) should also introduced in the State Assembly so that the MB cannot be ousted unless the vote of no confidence contains the name of his successor approved by a simple majority. No snap elections will be required if MBs can be replaced by such a method.

BERSIH is of the view that these amendments are very important to avoid endless political machination and increase the people’s confidence in parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, as well as ensuring greater political stability.

Released by:

The Steering Committee of BERSIH