Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin says federal-state relations will remain protected under the Federal Constitution regardless of election outcomes.
KOTA TINGGI: Relations between the federal and state governments will not be affected even if they are led by different political coalitions, as their respective roles and responsibilities are enshrined in the Federal Constitution, said UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, said the Federal Constitution clearly sets out the powers and responsibilities of both the federal and state governments, requiring them to respect and cooperate with one another in the interest of the people.
“The UMNO president has also made it clear that the Federal Constitution provides for both federal and state governments, and both must ensure the continued development and progress of the state and the country.
“That cooperation is stipulated in the Constitution. Whoever forms the federal government must be respected and given the necessary cooperation, while the federal government must likewise respect and cooperate with any state government.
“So, the people of Johor need not worry. Even if they elect a state government that is different from the federal government, there will be no problem,” he told reporters after attending the Ziarah Kasih programme at Felda Pasak here today.
Commenting on Barisan Nasional’s (BN) prospects in the Johor state election, Mohamed Khaled said the coalition is optimistic of securing the mandate to form the state government.
“Insya-Allah, with the people’s support, the confidence they have placed in us and our track record, BN will form the government,” he said.
BN is contesting all 56 state seats in the 16th Johor state election. In the 2022 Johor state election, the coalition won 40 of the 56 seats contested.
A total of 172 candidates are contesting 56 state seats in the 16th Johor state election, with 2,727,926 registered voters set to decide the outcome this Saturday (July 11).
