ISKANDAR PUTERI: Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad says he is confident that all Johor assemblymen will come back prepared to take part in a healthy debate when the State Assembly session resumes on Aug 22.

       He described the decree by Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar for all assemblymen to work together for the good of the people and state as “most timely”.

       “We will discuss and debate issues involving Covid-19 management to reach an outcome that will be helpful to Johoreans.

       “We also take note of His Majesty’s views that Johor must be the choice of investors, aided by the state government’s policies,” he told reporters after the opening of the state assembly by the Johor Ruler yesterday.

       Hasni, who is also the Johor Umno chief, said he would state his stance on the legitimacy of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in his winding-up address on the closing day of the state assembly session.

       “As a leader, we need to state our stand clearly. I believe that when we put the interests of the people first, we will not have any difficulty in making a decision,” he added.

       Kempas assemblyman and former mentri besar Datuk Osman Sapian, who is from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, said Sultan Ibrahim’s decree was in line with the political goings-on in the country.

       “The state’s recovery from Covid-19 should be the focus of all assemblymen, in order to revitalise Johor’s economic development and attract investors,” he said.

       PAS’ sole representative, Bukit Pasir assemblyman Najib Lep, said it was time for all assemblymen to get cracking.

       “The Covid-19 pandemic is a global issue and this is no time for finger-pointing. All should work together and come up with solutions to help the people,” he added.

       Tenggaroh assemblyman K. Raven Kumar of the MIC said Sultan Ibrahim’s decree could not have come at a better time.

       “We should look beyond politics and concentrate on the people’s welfare,” he added.

       Skudai assemblyman Tan Hong Pin of the DAP said valuable time had been wasted with too much politicking.

       Kota Iskandar assemblyman Dzulkefly Ahmad, who is the state Parti Amanah Negara deputy chief, said Sultan Ibrahim’s views were clear and concise.

       “We can prove to the other states that elected representatives here, no matter which political party we represent, can work together and that this is the Johor way,” he added.