New Johor MB to be sworn in today
KULAI: A new mentri besar from Pakatan Harapan is expected to be sworn in today with Parti Amanah Negara deputy president Salahuddin Ayub (pic) being the frontrunner.
Other contenders are Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia secretary Datuk Osman Sapian and Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan.
State Pakatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he had a fruitful meeting with the Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar at Istana Pasir Pelangi in Johor Baru yesterday.
“A few names have been given to Sultan Ibrahim for his consent,” he told a press conference at a hotel here after the meeting.
Muhyiddin said Sultan Ibrahim will appoint the new mentri besar by 3pm today.
It is learnt that the ceremony will take place at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baru.
Asked whether his name was on the list, Muhyiddin said no as he wants a younger candidate to lead the state but is open to be the new mentri besar’s mentor.
Asked how he plans to contribute to the state, Muhyiddin said: “I will act as the bridge between Johor and the Federal Government.
“I also hope to contribute to Johor if an economic development council is formed here,” said Muhyiddin, who defended his Pagoh parliamentary seat and won the Gambir state seat in the 14th General Election.
He reiterated that Pakatan would implement all their national and Johor election pledges.
Asked about their relationship with Singapore, he said it is expected to improve under the coalition.
He also urged the Johor people to close ranks and not let the community be divided after the elections. “Many things were said during the GE. It is now time to move on and for us to serve the rakyat,” he added.
Meanwhile, Salahuddin said Pakatan will need to be careful and govern with transparency and integrity if it wants to remain in power.
He said good governance will be a pillar of the Pakatan government at both the Johor and federal levels.
“I do not think the people will wait for another 60 years to boot us out.
“If we fail to deliver, we will be booted out in the next GE,” he told reporters after a special ceremony to present Johor Pakatan’s GE14 winners.
Salahuddin, who won the Simpang Jeram state seat, said the people’s swing, especially among the Malays, in GE14 was particularly strong in areas such as Johor Baru, Pulai, Ledang, Muar and Tebrau.
“Even in rural Malay areas, there was a huge swing among the voters,” he noted.
Pakatan won 36 state and 18 parliamentary seats in Johor, which has 56 state and 26 parliamentary constituencies.