The Johor government should reconsider the approval of five nominated State Legislative Assembly members, which has been described as undemocratic and contrary to the Federal Constitution, said DAP national deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming.
He said Pakatan Harapan (PH) strongly opposes the move, arguing that it undermines Malaysia’s parliamentary democratic system.
According to him, the appointment of nominated assembly members does not reflect a mature democratic political culture as it allegedly uses a “backdoor” approach to obtain positions in the state assembly.
“These nominated ADUNs are not elected by the people. They have no constituencies, yet they receive salaries like elected representatives, and are allowed to vote, debate and raise issues in the Johor State Legislative Assembly,” he said.
Nga argued that such a move conflicts with the Federal Constitution, which he said clearly states that representatives must be elected by the people.
“If this becomes a practice, it will undermine the Constitution and our democratic system,” he added.
His remarks came after the Johor State Legislative Assembly passed a Bill related to the appointment of nominated assembly members, supported by 40 assemblymen while 16 opposed it.
The amendment is expected to increase the total number of Johor assembly members to 61.
Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the proposed amendment would strengthen the state government’s capacity to make more comprehensive decisions amid rapid development and new investments.
However, Nga said PH will launch a public signature campaign in Johor to oppose the decision, targeting tens of thousands of signatures.
“If you want to become an ADUN, you must go through the front door by being elected by the people, not through appointment,” he said.
