Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismisses claims that dissolving the Johor state assembly was a political drama, calling it a democratic step to return power to the people.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims by certain quarters who characterised the move to dissolve the Johor State Legislative Assembly on June 1, as a ‘political drama’.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that, on the contrary, the action was taken to return the absolute mandate to the people to choose a stable government, rather than remaining on the throne of power merely for personal comfort.
Explaining the situation, he said that the dissolution of the state assembly is an inevitable process in a democratic system, whether it happens sooner or later.
In fact, similar steps were taken by other state administrations including Negeri Sembilan shortly after, thereby proving that the action was not merely a one-sided political agenda.
“The people of Johor are the highest judges in a democracy. They have the right to determine the government they want, to choose a government capable of providing stability, and to assess who is truly working and who is only good at making promises,” he said.
The BN Chairman said this during his speech at the Launching Ceremony of the BN Machinery for the 16th Johor State Election here today.
Also present were Johor BN Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC President Tan Sri Dr SA Vigneswaran, and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) President Datuk Dr J Loga Bala Mohan.
The Johor DUN was dissolved on June 1 after receiving the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also slammed the opposition, who had previously issued statements claiming that UMNO and BN would die and be buried in Johor.
The UMNO President noted the irony that the street-level party, which had boasted and fantasised about replacing the largest party of the Malays, is now struggling to find its direction.
“Those who wanted to make Johor their power base are now busy defending what remains of their influence. Those who previously boasted about wanting to topple us are today facing fractures among themselves.
“Remember, Johor is not a place to try one’s luck. Johor is not a place to hitch a ride on influence. Johor is not a testing ground for the politics of vengeance. A party born out of betrayal should not speak of principles,” he said.
