JOHOR BARU: The Opposition has estimated that RM150mil is needed to fund a snap election in Johor, which they say could be better used for the rakyat’s welfare instead.

       They said that this would be a waste and urged the government to channel the resources to protect the people’s economic welfare instead.

       “The Opposition in Johor reiterates its position that snap polls in Johor does not prioritise the people’s and the state’s interest,” read a joint statement on Tuesday (Jan 18).

       The joint statement was made by state Parti Amanah Negara chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, state PKR chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, state DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

       They urged the state government to focus their efforts to fight Covid-19, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant and that the people’s lives should be the priority.

       They also said there was no urgent need to dissolve the Johor state assembly as they are cooperating fully with the state government led by Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

       “The Opposition bloc has agreed to jointly offer a stability commitment to ensure that the state government can continue to focus fully on the welfare of the people as well as efforts to revive Johor’s economy during these difficult times.

       “A responsible government is a government that puts the people first. On this basis, the Opposition unanimously rejects any attempt to hold the state election in Johor,” they said.