ISKANDAR PUTERI: All 56 Johor assemblymen must “behave” as they discuss a plan of action to assist the people and revive the state’s economy or risk a state assembly dissolution, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has warned.

       In a strong address at the State Assembly yesterday, the Johor Ruler said the assembly was a place to make decisions in the best interests of the people and state.

       “I would like to remind everyone about this. Do not insult this House of mine with uncouth behaviour. This is an august House, not a cage for monkeys.

       “Remember my advice Mr Speaker. Do your job well,” he said in directing an order to Speaker Suhaizan Kayat to manage the proceeding.

       Sultan Ibrahim said he would not entertain “political games” from the assemblymen that could disrupt the duties of the state government.

       “If there is a situation that causes the (state) government to fall, then I will not hesitate to dissolve the Johor assembly. Elected representatives should think of the people’s interest.

       “When the Covid-19 situation is brought under control, I will hand it back to the rakyat to choose new assemblymen and this time, choose correctly leaders who are sincere and want to serve them,” he said when opening the Fourth Session of the 14th State Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.

       Johor is the first state to convene its state assembly during the National Recovery Plan. The session, which was initially planned for seven days, was later adjourned to Aug 22 to enable a review of Covid-19 standard operating procedure as advised by Sultan Ibrahim.

       Also present were Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.

       Johor is ruled by Perikatan Nasional (PN) with 29 seats in the state assembly. The Opposition holds 27 seats.

       Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attended as the Gambir assemblyman.

       Reiterating his call, Sultan Ibrahim said there was no need to debate or bring irrelevant motions, urging the assemblymen to prioritise the needs of those who were affected by the pandemic.

       “There are people who are fighting for their lives due to Covid-19. This is not the time to fight but to unite and cooperate,” the Ruler added.

       Sultan Ibrahim said the Federal Government should not frequently change policies as this would result in investors moving away.

       He said businesses must be assisted with new investor-friendly policies with attractive incentives to make them stay.

       “However, if the government often changes its policy, possibly being envious of Johor’s progress, then investors will lose confidence and go to other countries,” His Majesty added.

       Sultan Ibrahim also paid tribute to frontliners for their crucial role in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “I thank the Prime Minister and Federal Government for giving more vaccine supply to the state. I also like to express my appreciation to all who have extended assistance be it food or finance to the affected people,” he said.

       Sultan Ibrahim later granted an audience to Muhyiddin at Istana Pasir Pelangi here with the Prime Minister briefing the Ruler on the latest national developments.