Johor Opposition leader scoffs at size of office

KOTA ISKANDAR: Johor Opposition leader Datuk Hasni Mohammad ( pix) (Benut-Umno) was given an office at the State Assembly building yesterday but scoffed at the size of the room.

He said this showed that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) state government did not recognise the importance of the Opposition.

Hasni, who received the key to the office from Johor Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat at the state administration centre, said the office needs to be big enough to station several staff to assist him.

Hasni also suggested that the state Public Accounts Committee be headed by an Opposition member.

This is the first time the Johor government is providing an office and monthly allowance of RM3,000 for the Opposition leader. Hasni was an exco member of the previous Barisan Nasional state government.

During the debate on the royal speech at the state assembly sitting, Hasni said the state government should have its own stand and ensure that Johor’s voice is heard by the federal government.

“I am referring to the Pedra Branca issue. I am sad that the state government had accepted the federal decision of not pursuing the case.”

As Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad decided not to pursue the case, the International Court of Justice had dropped a long-running territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore by mutual consent on June 1.

“We want Johor’s voice to be heard as the disputed area appeared as an exclusive economic zone for Malaysia. We must do something about this.”