Johor sultan decreed Osman be replaced months ago, says TMJ

Looi Sue-Chern Looi Sue-Chern Updated 5 years ago · Published on 9 Apr 2019 4:04PM · 6 Comments

Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim says he hopes the new menteri besar will not be a 'yes man' of Putrajaya. – AFP pic, April 9, 2019.

THE sultan of Johor had decreed that Osman Sapian be replaced as menteri besar months ago, said the state’s crown prince, confirming rumours of the Bersatu politician’s imminent sacking less than a year into the job.

Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said in a series of tweets that though his father had ordered the change, other people were “taking credit and getting mileage” for it.

“Tuanku (Sultan Ibrahim) had looked into changing the menteri besar for months now.

“Don’t forget that the absolute power to choose the menteri besar lies with the sultan. Enough politicking,” Tunku Ismail tweeted.

The prince, popularly known by the Malay acronym of his title – TMJ – said he hoped the new menteri besar will not be Putrajaya’s yes man.

“I hope the new Menteri Besar is not a yes man of Putrajaya. The welfare of the people and well being of the state must always be a priority,” he added.

Osman has recently been under fire over his handling of the Sungai Kim Kim pollution crisis, which saw 111 schools shut down.

The Kempas assemblyman raised eyebrows for going ahead with a day working trip to Indonesia’s Batam Island during the crisis. He later said he had  cut short the working visit’s schedule and was in touch with officials handling the crisis.

In January, Osman caused a diplomatic incident when he boarded a Malaysian government boat that was in waters claimed by Singapore.

The visit, which he posted on his social media platforms, came a day before both countries’ foreign ministers were due to meet for talks on disputed maritime boundaries. Singapore cancelled those talks, saying Osman’s visit made the meeting untenable.

Many Twitter users, welcomed talks of Osman’s possible departure.

lela_orichi (@lela_orichi) said they should hurry up the replacement because the MB was “irrelevant”.

Jerry Adam in a sarcastic post said: “Sorry, Tuanku. I just realised Johor has an MB.” – April 9, 2019.

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Comments

  • I presume the TMJ wants the new MB to be his puppet so as they can do what they like in johor.

    Posted 5 years ago by Dato Radha · Reply

  • I thought HRH preferred Osman over Salahuddin when PH took Johor. U-turn pulak.

    Posted 5 years ago by Awang Bilis · Reply

  • When one talk too much it becomes a pain the ass. Civility is expected from all quarters irrespective of the position.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • The constitutional rulers cannot decree a political decision. Its time the Conference of Rulers were reminded of the limitations of their role.

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply

  • This fellow just cannot keep his mouth shut...thinks he is a somebody?.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lipdah Lia · Reply

  • Who is the real hypocrite? Perhaps both. Who got the most wealth determine whether for the people or for those in positions? Johoreans must be smart enough who has more money and assets in Johor.

    Posted 5 years ago by James Wong · Reply