PETALING JAYA: The Johor state assembly today passed a constitutional amendment bill allowing the appointment of five unelected assemblymen, increasing the total number of state representatives to 61.
The bill was supported by 40 of the 56 assemblymen, according to Sinar Harian.
Menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who tabled the bill, said the appointed assemblymen would not be elected, but selected to complement the existing composition of the state assembly.
“The appointed members must receive the consent of the ruler. Such nominated assemblymen already exist in Sabah, Terengganu, and Pahang,” he said.
During the debate, Anuar Abdul Manap (BN-Pemanis) said the move was not merely about adding seats, but enhancing services for the people.
However, state opposition leader Andrew Chen (DAP-Stulang) disagreed, describing the move as rushed.
“We also feel the process of bringing this motion could have been improved, where there should have been consultation or discussions with the opposition beforehand.
“We, the Pakatan Harapan bloc, do not agree with this rushed motion,” he said.
The proposal had drawn criticism from opposition parties, Barisan Nasional allies in the federal government such as DAP and PKR, as well as civil society groups.
Some called on the state government to drop or postpone the plan, while others suggested that the five seats be filled by women, which would make Johor the first state legislature in the country to meet the minimum 30% target for women’s representation.
