JOHOR ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has mooted an alternative for the term “Opposition” as he deems it inappropriate or unsuitable to refer to assemblymen who are not members of the ruling party.
Instead, His Majesty suggested to refer them as “pihak pengimbang” instead of “pihak pembangkang”. This was because the opposition’s role is more than just to oppose all of the government’s suggestions, he opined.
“These assemblymen play the role of check and balance to ensure the government does not do as they please. However, refrain from seeking revenge or nitpicking the government,” The Star reported him as saying at the opening of the 15th Johor state assembly sitting today.
“I also have no issues with the ‘pihak pengimbang’ — they can seek an audience with me and give their ideas or views.”
This comes to no surprise as this suggestion has been made by Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka executive board Datuk Dr Awang Sariyan earlier in August 2021. He claims that the ‘balancer’ term is to acquire a higher meaning and to make politics more harmonious, according to Kosmo.
Moreover, Sultan Ibrahim stated that he wishes for the political environment to remain stable for the benefit of the people and the state.
“It has been a year since the state assemblymen were elected and I am satisfied with their behaviour and roles. I hope there will be no more returning to their old and unsavoury ways,” he noted.
“I have also been monitoring the progress of the Menteri Besar (Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi) and state exco members om I found to be doing well. Though there are those who lack experience, they have worked hard to prove their potential. They can come to me or the state’s administrative officers if they have any questions.”
The Sultan further stated that he wants the state government to manage its finances well and be mindful of its spending. He then commended the state administration for achieving a surplus after a deficit the previous year. — March 16, 2023
Main photo credit: The Star
