PASIR GUDANG: According to Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, Johor Pakatan Harapan should not degrade themselves by asking for positions from the state government. The PKR representative stated that while he respects and acknowledges the validity of state Pakatan deputy chairman Aminolhuda Hassan’s viewpoint, he believes that Aminolhuda should not lower himself to the extent of begging for positions.
He expressed his dismay at the fact that Aminolhuda felt compelled to beg for positions in light of the collaboration between Umno leaders and Pakatan at the federal level. Hassan commented, “I am saddened by his actions. If I were the Johor Pakatan leader, I would not have resorted to begging for positions.”
Hassan made these remarks to reporters after attending the Jualan Rahmah Kasih Sayang program at Taman Desa Cemerlang Perdana community hall on Saturday (Feb 24). When questioned about Aminolhuda’s statement on Friday (Feb 23) where he appealed for local council and village chief positions for Pakatan, Hassan reiterated his disappointment.
Hassan also expressed his disappointment at the exclusion of Pakatan members from the exco line-up, which he believes goes against the unity demonstrated at the federal level. He mentioned, “I am disappointed that there are no Pakatan assemblymen in the Johor exco line-up, especially when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed numerous Umno members to Minister and Deputy Minister positions.”
Discussing the implications of this decision, Hassan stated, “We were hopeful for a similar collaboration in Johor, but it seems that is not the case. I am disheartened, but there is little we can do.” He also remarked that this move has hindered potential cooperation between Pakatan and Barisan Nasional in Johor.
Furthermore, Hassan noted that even if Pakatan were to secure councillor and village chief positions, they would not have significant influence. He emphasized, “The request is reasonable, and I hope that the Mentri Besar, Umno, and Barisan Nasional will take it into consideration. However, Pakatan would not be able to advance the reform agenda with these positions.”
Addressing the situation, Aminolhuda, who is also Johor Parti Amanah Negara chief, mentioned that some grassroots voices have highlighted a weaker relationship between Pakatan and Barisan Nasional in Johor compared to the Federal Government. Despite acknowledging the lack of space for Pakatan in the state exco lineup, he expressed hope for opportunities in local council positions to reflect unity and federal-state collaboration.
The Johor exco comprises 10 assemblymen, all from Barisan, following the coalition’s victory with 40 out of 56 seats in the state election in March 2022. On Feb 13, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced a reshuffle in the state exco lineup where an Umno assemblyman was replaced with another party member.
