SEVERAL Johor UMNO division leaders are reportedly unhappy with the reshuffled executive council (exco) lineup in the state.
According to an FMT report, a Johor UMNO division leader who did not want to be named said more eligible colleagues were overlooked for spots in the state administration, adding that the reshuffle should have included more party members who head their respective divisions.
The reshuffle saw only three division leaders in the state government – Johor Menteri Besar and Simpang Renggam UMNO division leader Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi; Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip who heads the Segamat division; and Housing and Local Government Committee chairman and Kulai UMNO chief Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The source further noted that division chiefs had been pushing for the state government to exclude exco members who do not hold any posts at the divisional level.
“However that didn’t happen when the new lineup was announced,” the source lamented, adding that a majority of Onn Hafiz’s 10 exco members comprise assemblymen who are not division chiefs.
“Many other assemblymen who are also division chiefs are more qualified and should have been considered.”
Echoing this, another division chief, also speaking on condition of anonymity, agreed that the exco posts should have gone to the division chiefs instead.
“They are also capable of doing the job, so I don’t see anything wrong with giving them the posts,” he stated.
The source further pointed out that naming division leaders to the lineup would also indicate the leadership’s faith in its members.
“This will see division chiefs who are exco members work harder for the party, which will help the party perform better in future polls,” he argued.
However, Johor UMNO Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros said the wing was happy with the reshuffle, adding that the appointments were decided on by the menteri besar and received the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
Azleen noted that one of those named as an exco member, Tanjung Surat assemblyman Aznan Tamin, is below the age of 40.
“It complements the energy of the Regent and the menteri besar,” Azleen added.
Tunku Ismail is 39 while Onn Hafiz is 44.
Azman replaced Johor Lama assemblyman Norlizah Noh as the Education, Information And Communication committee chairman.
Tuesday’s restructuring exercise only saw Norlizah being dropped from the exco lineup while several others saw their portfolios swapped.
In a statement, Onn Hafiz said he believes the reshuffle and new appointment would bring the state forward.
“I would like to thank His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia for giving consent to the new appointment and the portfolio restructuring of the state executive line-up for 2024 to 2027,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.
“I would like to congratulate Azman for being sworn in before Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim just now. May he be able to heed His Majesty’s advice and carry out his duties well.
“I would also like to thank Norlizah for her services and contributions for the people of Johor all these while.” – Feb 16, 2024
Main pic credit: Bernama
