ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 7 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today tabled a Bill to amend the state constitution to allow the appointment of five unelected state assemblymen.

The Bill, which had earlier drawn mixed views over claims that it was ambiguous, was tabled during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here.

Onn Hafiz said the amendment would increase the number of Johor assemblymen from 56 to 61, adding that the five additional assemblymen would require the consent of the Ruler before being appointed.

“These assemblymen are not appointed to complement the existing composition of assemblymen in Johor.

“The appointed assemblymen must have the consent of the Ruler,” he said.

It is understood that the appointed state assemblymen can take part in debates and have voting rights, but are not eligible to be elected as menteri besar or state executive council members.

It is still unclear if the appointed representatives would draw a similar salary and allowance structure as regular serving assemblymen.

Earlier this week, several Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional and Muda politicians questioned the proposed Bill to amend the state constitution to allow for the appointment of unelected assemblymen.

They questioned the need for the five assemblymen and added that the proposed Bill lacked clarity and posed a challenge to the established democratic process.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 7 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has quashed rumours that the state assembly will be dissolved today, paving the way for a snap state election.

He called on all 56 state assemblymen to remain calm and continue serving their respective constituencies.

“I heard there were rumours that the PRN (state election) will soon be called together with various speculation on the dissolution of the state assembly,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Johor state legislative assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.

“I would like to answer these speculations today and announce that the Johor state assembly will not be dissolved today.

“So, you can rest assured on the announcement for snap polls,” he added.

Onn Hafiz, who is the Machap assemblyman, also called on all state elected representatives to continue prioritising their duty to serve the people.

He requested assemblymen to put aside speculation of an impending snap election for the time being.

“There are still many programmes and initiatives that we need to implement,” he said.

Rumours of a possible state election have been circulating over the past few months.

The current Johor government’s term ends in April next year.

The present state legislative assembly began its term on April 21, 2022, following the state election on March 12, 2022.

BATU PAHAT, May 6 — A 60-year-old van driver has been remanded for three days starting today to assist police in the probe into the death of a Year Two pupil from a primary school in Parit Sulong here.

Batu Pahat police chief Assistant Commissioner Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the remand application for the man was made to assist investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987.

“The remand order on the suspect was issued by Magistrate Nurasidah A. Rahman from today to May 8, after he was brought to the Batu Pahat Magistrate’s Court earlier this morning,” he said when contacted by the media today.

Earlier, the van driver was arrested after being involved in a fatal accident that claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl in front of SK Seri Maimon in Parit Sulong here.

It was reported yesterday that Nur Aini Umairah Mohd Fareez was killed after she was hit by a delivery van at 12.30pm while walking in front of the school’s main gate.

As a result of the accident, the victim suffered serious head and bodily injuries. 

She was later pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Parit Sulong Health Clinic.

 

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 6 — The Johor state government will set up a special task force to look into safety in schools, following a Year Two pupil’s death after she was hit by a delivery van in Batu Pahat yesterday.

Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the initiative was aimed at investigating and improving students’ safety inside and outside school premises.

He said this also included school-based activities.

“The task force will also propose solutions and improve the existing guidelines already in place,” he told reporters when met at the Johor state legislative assembly in Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.

It was reported yesterday that eight-year-old Nur Aini Umairah Mohd Fareez was killed after she was hit by a delivery van in front of the fenced area of SK Seri Maimon in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat.

Aznan, who is the Tanjung Surat assemblyman, said the task force is expected to start a safe school campaign early next month, which will continue throughout the year.

He said the existing standard operating procedure involving vehicles entering and leaving school premises would be reviewed in detail.

On Nur Aini Umairah’s death, Aznan said the Johor Education Department is expected to provide counselling assistance to the victim’s family.

“The counselling assistance is to help ease the psychological impact suffered by the victim’s family,” he said, adding that other forms of assistance will also be channelled to ease their burden.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 6 — Johor has attracted strong interest from 36 international investors, with potential initial investment commitments worth about RM10 billion, state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said today.

Speaking during the question-and-answer session at the Johor state legislative assembly, Lee said the investment potential followed the Johor government delegation’s recent working visit to Shanghai, China.

“The working visit, which focused on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), saw strategic engagement sessions with over 150 high-potential investors, including company owners and top-level decision-makers,” he said.

“Out of that total, 36 companies expressed their initial commitments and serious interest to invest in Johor.

“This reflects the continued confidence of global investors in the state’s potential, despite the current uncertainties in the global economy,” he added.

Lee was responding to a question from Andrew Chen Kah Eng (DAP-Stulang) on the findings of the state government delegation’s recent trip to China.

He said the initial investment commitments were valued at about RM10 billion and were focused on strategic sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), battery technology, aerospace, automotive and high-tech manufacturing.

Lee, who is the Paloh assemblyman, said the delegation’s approach was more comprehensive and focused on developing the industrial ecosystem, rather than just promoting conventional investments.

“The state government is also working with financial institutions or major banks including Maybank, AmBank, UOB, OCBC, China Construction Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to expand access to investor networks in China and the region,” he said.

Lee said the delegation also held comprehensive discussions with several major industry players and their supplier networks to strengthen Johor’s investment potential and supply chain development.

He said this was in line with the state’s strategy to develop integrated industrial clusters involving aerospace, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening Johor’s position in the global value chain.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 5 — A proposal to amend Johor state laws to allow the appointment of five unelected state assemblymen has yet to be discussed in detail, Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said today.

Ling said the proposal, which would allow the state government to appoint five assemblymen to the Johor legislative assembly, was still at an early stage.

“This is a process where the state government can appoint the five assemblymen to assist in the tasks of existing elected representatives.

“It also fills the needs for professional services to the people of Johor,” he told reporters at the state legislative assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here.

Ling, who is the Yong Peng assemblyman, said that the amendment will first need the approval from the state ruler.

He said the nomination of appointed assemblymen could only proceed after such approval was granted.

Ling said an alternative proposal to redraw Johor’s electoral boundaries and increase the number of elected state seats would take longer, as the process would have to be taken to the federal level.

“Other states such as Sabah and Pahang have already implemented their appointed assemblymen, while Sarawak is in the process of bringing the matter for approval,” he said.

Yesterday, DAP strategic director Liew Chin Tong raised concerns over the proposal, which he said was understood to have the support of the state government.

Liew, who is also Perling assemblyman and Iskandar Puteri MP, questioned the need for appointed assemblymen and asked what functions they would serve.

Liew said redelineation to increase the number of elected state constituencies would be a more appropriate approach, especially given the large number of voters in several Johor seats.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 5 — Johor is developing a learning ecosystem that directly links schools with industries in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the learning ecosystem involves the Corporate Adoption Programme and Industry Satellite Laboratory.

“Multinational companies that come under the JS-SEZ will adopt selected schools to provide modern laboratory facilities and expert mentors through the Corporate Adoption Programme.

“The Industrial Satellite Laboratory, on the other hand, creates a learning space outside the classroom where students can see real world applications involving physics and chemistry in sectors such as data centres or semiconductor manufacturing,” he said at the Johor state legislative assembly in Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.

Aznan (BN-Tanjung Surat) was replying to a question from Hasrunizah Hassan (BN-Pulai Sebatang) on the state government’s plans to encourage students to have an interest in pure science subjects.

This is to prepare skilled or expert workers in meeting the needs of Johor to become a developed state and also in line with the JS-SEZ.

Aznan said for students to have an interest in pure science, the teaching approach needs to be changed with the addition of Advanced Teacher Training and Applied Science Modules.

He said that 500 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education teachers will undergo skills-enhancing training in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and programming.

“This is to ensure that the delivery of knowledge is relevant to the needs of today’s industry.

“The Applied Science Module will introduce ‘contextual learning’ elements where biology or chemistry theories are directly linked to major projects in Johor such as the development of hydrogen energy and smart agriculture,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Aznan alao set a target to achieve a 60:40 ratio (science to arts) in line with national policy, but with the Johor model focused in the marketability aspects in the JS-SEZ. 

He said that the state government is confident that with a combination of first-class infrastructure and competent local talent in STEM, Johor will become the new economic heart of the South-east Asia.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 5 — The Johor government is aiming to fill the remaining 59 per cent of vacancies at Pasir Gudang Hospital (HPG) by September.

Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said only 929 of the hospital’s 2,271 positions have been filled so far, or 41 per cent, since it began operating earlier this year.

“At present, 14 specialist clinics or clinical services at HPG are already fully operational.

“This includes services such as the emergency department, general surgery, pediatrics and orthopedics,” he told reporters at the Johor state legislative assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.

Ling, who is also the Yong Peng assemblyman, said HPG has a total capacity of 304 beds, with 157 beds across nine wards currently in operation.

“The state government is targeting full bed operations by September once staffing issues are addressed,” he said.

Last Thursday, Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, in his speech at the state legislative assembly opening, decreed for HPG to be fully operational immediately.

He also called for staffing and equipment issues to be resolved without delay.

On June 29 last year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said HPG would operate in phases starting August 1, 2025.

However, the opening was postponed to this year due to technical issues and a shortage of healthcare personnel.

The hospital began staggered operations in phases late last year to meet the needs of the local community.

 

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 4 — The Opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition intends to contest all 56 state assembly seats in the upcoming Johor state election (PRN).

Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said PN and its parties are prepared to face the state election at any time.

“PN will contest all the state constituency seats in Johor. 

“The candidates’ names list will be submitted directly to the coalition’s central leadership for final endorsement,” he told reporters at a media conference during the state legislative assembly sitting in Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.

Also present was the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.

Dr Sahruddin, who is also the Bukit Kepong assemblyman, said that PN are also not ruling out the possibility of a political collaboration with Muda for the upcoming state polls.

However, the former menteri besar said that the current focus is on the appointment of the Johor PN chairman’s position, which is still vacant.

“Bersatu party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has sent a letter with a proposed name on behalf of the party to PN’s top leadership.

“The letter has been sent for more than a month, pending a reply. At the moment, we are still waiting as no one has been named yet,” he said.

On Muda’s collaboration with PN in the state polls, Amira Aisya said the matter had not been finalised yet.

The Puteri Wangsa assemblyman said that the party had already initiated informal discussions with Johor PN.

“Muda will make an announcement on our decision when the time comes,” she said.

Amira Aisya also revealed that Muda plans to contest between five and 10 state seats in the upcoming Johor state election.

She said the party’s targets are mixed constituencies, involving both urban and rural areas.

On the hotly contested Puteri Wangsa constituency, Amira Aisya named herself as the incumbent candidate and added that Muda will defend the seat in the state election.

“We also welcome any party that is keen to contest in Puteri Wangsa,” she said.

Both Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) parties, PKR and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) are also eyeing the Puteri Wangsa seat for the coming polls.

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 4 — Johor continues to post encouraging economic performance after the state’s revenue reached RM1 billion as of April 30, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said today.

He said the figure marks an increase of RM307 million compared to the same period last year, placing Johor on solid footing to achieve its revenue projection for this year.

“Johor’s success is driven by several major achievements, including recording the highest investment figure in the state’s history.

“This reflects investor confidence in Johor and has also opened up tens of thousands of job opportunities for the people.

“In addition, Johor’s strong economic growth with a high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate has strengthened the state’s fiscal base, thus increasing the government’s ability to generate sustainable revenue,” he told the Johor state legislative assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.

Onn Hafiz, who is also chairman of the Johor Natural Resources, Administration, Finance, Planning, Economic Development and Tourism Committee, said the achievement proves Johor is on the right track to sustain inclusive and long-term growth.

“Based on this strength, the state government is committed to ensuring that every increase in revenue is returned to the people through high-impact initiatives,” he said, adding that this approach has been implemented through phases one to four of the Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) welfare programme, which includes more than 100 initiatives with an allocation of almost RM400 million.

Onn Hafiz said the state government would continue strengthening efforts to help the people, ease the cost of living and ensure the state’s prosperity is shared by all.