‘Sahruddin has the qualities to lead the state’
JOHOR BARU: Former Johor mentri besar Datuk Osman Sapian has the utmost confidence that newly appointed Dr Sahruddin Jamal will help steer the state to greater heights.
He added that the first-term Bukit Kepong assemblyman has the qualities in performing his duties as the Mentri Besar to ensure Johor would remain under Pakatan Harapan even after the 15th General Election.
“If we had not seen it in him, Dr Sahruddin would not have been appointed as a candidate in the last general election.
Osman said this when met during a press conference held at the Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia headquarters here yesterday.
The Kempas assemblyman said he was willing to help Dr Sahruddin, who was previously the state Health, Environment, and Agriculture Committee chairman, in executing his new duties.
“If he needs my help, I am open as both of us come from the same party, I am the most senior state legislative member, a former mentri besar and have the experience,” he said.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the Home Minister, said he was grateful to Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar in appointing Dr Sahruddin as suggested by Pakatan leadership.
He also thanked Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for giving his guidance, support and trust towards Johor Pakatan for the smooth transition of leaders in the state government.
“I hope the state administration will be able to run smoothly and focus should be given to developing Johor for the rakyat’s interest,” he said.
Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong said the party accepted the change in Mentri Besar and always looked ahead for the rakyat in Johor.
When asked about the changes in the state executive council line-up, the Deputy Defence Minister said he has yet to be informed about the matter.
“It depends on Dr Sahruddin and I will be waiting for his suggestion,” he said.
Johor Parti Amanah Negara chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said that all state Pakatan Harapan leaders accepted wholeheartedly the appointment of the new Mentri Besar.
“We will be together with Dr Sahruddin in making sure that the rakyat in Johor would be our focus,” he said.
Meanwhile, state PKR deputy chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said the party would give its utmost support to the new Mentri Besar in developing the state economy.
“We have both been in the exco line-up for the past 11 months and I can see that he is competent in his duty and I have the utmost confidence in Dr Shahruddin to lead the state government,” he said.
In a statement, Johor Umno youth chief Mohd Hairi Md Shah congratulated Dr Sahruddin on his appointment and said the party would continue to be a check and balance for the government.
“The Mentri Besar must put the state and rakyat’s interest above all else compared to the insistence and orders from Putrajaya.
“Be a ‘Yes Man’ to the rakyat who will be more appreciative than the others,” he said.