Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended the constitutional process behind the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly, while rejecting claims made by former UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
Onn Hafiz said Puad is free to leave UMNO and express differing views, but stressed that allegations involving the royal institution are inaccurate.
“I strongly deny the allegations,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
He clarified that the claim suggesting he had been informed that the Istana “ordered” the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly is untrue.
According to him, the dissolution was carried out only after obtaining the consent of His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, in accordance with Article 23, Second Part of the Johor State Constitution 1895.
“The Menteri Besar cannot dissolve the State Assembly at will. The process must follow the provisions of the Johor State Constitution and only takes effect after royal consent is granted,” he explained.
Onn Hafiz said he had personally presented the matter during an audience with the Regent before the formal announcement of the dissolution was made publicly.
He stressed that receiving royal consent is a constitutional requirement and should not be misinterpreted as political instruction or interference.
“It is extremely irresponsible to twist this constitutional process into a narrative suggesting that the Royal Institution interferes in UMNO Johor’s political decisions,” he said.
He further added that such statements could touch on sensitive 3R issues, particularly those involving the royal institution, and may affect public harmony.
As a result, he said UMNO Johor will lodge a police report to allow authorities to investigate the matter further.
“I urge all parties to respect the Royal Institution, uphold the Constitution and the Johor State Laws, and not misuse these institutions in political disputes,” he added.
Puad Zarkashi had earlier announced his immediate resignation from UMNO, stating that he could no longer remain in the party due to internal concerns within UMNO Johor.
