No turmoil, solid support – exco denies move to topple Johor MB

Johor exco member Solihan Badri has dismissed claims there are attempts to topple Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal just eight months after the latter assumed the post following a dramatic episode which witnessed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the state palace trading barbs.

Solihan, who is also Johor Bersatu secretary, stressed that there is no turmoil in the current state government, which can lead to a deficit in trust in the menteri besar's leadership.

“We at the state level are solid (in our support for) the menteri besar. The excos are with him and provide our utmost cooperation.

“We also have a good relationship with the officers in the Johor government. Our, Pakatan Harapan, relationship with the palace is also good,” he said in a video recording.

Solihan said during the recent state assembly sitting, Harapan elected representatives had expressed their undivided support and provided feedback for the state budget, which was the menteri besar's first.

“There was not even an iota of dissatisfaction. In fact, even the opposition lawmakers did not raise...just normal questions.

“But there were no questions regarding the menteri besar's strength, wisdom or qualities,” he added.

According to Solihan, there is also no disgruntlement towards Shahruddin within Bersatu and there are no attempts to oust him.

“We in Bersatu are also solid (in our support for the MB). There are no Bersatu division chairpersons who are strategising to sideline him.

“Even Johor Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang extends his fullest cooperation,” he added.

Therefore, Solihan advised the opposition to cease its propaganda and smear campaign aimed at eroding public confidence in the state government.

“We are solidly behind the menteri besar,” he reiterated.

“We are prepared to spearhead this state to greater heights and are prepared to face any election, be it by-elections or the next general election,” he added.

Last month's Tanjung Piai by-election, however, proved to be disastrous for Johor Bersatu when its candidate Karmanie Sardini was trounced by BN's Wee Jeck Seng.

Solihan was responding to Johor Umno Youth chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, who claimed that there is speculation of an attempt within Bersatu to replace the menteri besar.

“If such an attempt does exist, I suggest that the Harapan leadership seek an audience with Tuanku (state ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar) to dissolve the state assembly so that a fresh election can be held.

“Enough of playing tug-of-war. The people have lost their trust in this hypocritical government,” he added.