JOHOR BARU: Covid-19 related matters and not politics will be the main agenda for Johor’s 56 assemblymen during the state assembly tomorrow.

       Panti assemblyman Hahasrin Hashim of Umno said he was looking forward to the meeting, which would be held for the first time after more than eight months.

       “This is a great opportunity for my colleagues and I, including those from the Opposition, to highlight issues faced by the rakyat from our respective constituencies.”

       He said he would touch on Covid-19 issues and the next step that the state government could take to boost the economy.

       Hahasrin noted that the state assembly was the only proper platform for elected representatives to voice out matters concerning the people. He dismissed speculation that the Johor assembly meeting would be contentious in view of the political drama at the federal level.

       “I do not see my colleagues from both sides of the divide wanting to play politics.

       “What’s important right now is Covid-19 and other issues affecting the rakyat,” he said when contacted.

       MIC’s Tenggaroh assemblyman K. Raven Kumar said that what happened during Parliament last month would not see a repeat in the state assembly meeting.

       “Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar will open the state assembly meeting tomorrow.

       “Usually His Majesty would set the tone.

       “Furthermore, it is not our way of always focusing on politics.

       “I am sure that all assemblymen in Johor have mature thinking and know what is best for the state,” he added.

       Perling assemblyman Cheo Yee How from DAP said he would highlight reopening the border with Singapore.

       This was an important matter as many people have been impacted since the border was closed for more than a year now due to the pandemic.

       “What is happening in terms of politics in the country right now should be resolved by our own respective national party leaders. As assemblymen, we should focus on being the voice for the rakyat. It is our job as an elected representative. It is our responsibility, which has been entrusted to us,” he said.

       In June, Sultan Ibrahim reminded all assemblymen to be united for the sake of the people and Johor. He had also touched on the need for an action plan to help those affected by the pandemic.