Tensions between Umno and DAP have escalated after both parties exchanged sharp remarks over Johor’s move to introduce appointed state assembly members, with senior Umno leader Puad Zarkashi invoking a controversial 2009 Perak assembly episode in his rebuttal.
The dispute follows criticism from DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming, who argued that Johor’s decision to allow nominated assemblymen could open the door to what he described as a “backdoor” route into the state legislature. He also said Pakatan Harapan would launch a signature campaign to oppose the move.
In response, Puad defended the Johor State Legislative Assembly’s decision, stating that the amendment allowing five nominated members was passed with the required two-thirds majority and followed proper constitutional procedures.
He also sharply criticised Nga’s stance, pointing to the 2009 Perak political crisis, when state assembly proceedings were held under a tree after a change in government.
Puad reminded Nga that he had served as a state executive councillor during the 2009 incident, when Pakatan Rakyat lost its majority following the defection of three assemblymen. He questioned whether the alternative sitting held at the time could be considered constitutional or democratic.
“Nga then attended the assembly sitting conducted under a tree on March 9, 2009. Was that constitutional and democratic? Was that not a backdoor move?” Puad said in a Facebook post.
He added that the proposed signature campaign against Johor’s decision was itself questionable, suggesting it could be misused for political purposes.
The exchange highlights continuing friction between the two political coalitions over governance practices, legitimacy, and state-level constitutional procedures, particularly in relation to appointed positions within legislative bodies.
