JOHOR Umno and Bersatu leaders have urged their members not to heed talks of a rift between the two parties, which was supposedly leading towards a snap election in the state.

They said the so-called turmoil between the two ruling parties was caused by political games played by a group of down-liners while the top leaders were working together.

Johor Bersatu chairman Mazlan Bujang said he has no problems working with Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad, who is also Johor Umno chief.

“As the leader of the state party, I have to act with maturity. Me and Hasni are trying to find a common ground.

“Of course there are political affiliations and some dissatisfaction here and there.

“The important thing is that we have a common ground. That’s important,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

The Puteri Wangsa assemblyman said he is open to easing tensions among members of the two parties.

“We as state leaders have no issues as these issues are just in the down line. We will try to calm things down.

“I have no issues, and we can always talk. Let’s not make things worse,” he said.

The political situation in Johor is said to be tense after Bersatu reportedly asked for positions in state-owned companies to be distributed as a sign of understanding with Perikatan Nasional.

PN formed a government in Johor after Bersatu left Pakatan Harapan (PH) to join Umno and Barisan Nasional, as well as PAS.

Meanwhile, Johor Umno liaison secretary Samsol Bari Jamali said political issues should not arise as everyone is struggling to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

He told The Malaysian Insight the political tension that people are talking about is not actually happening.

“Whoever is disputing each other is just concerned about themselves and not the people. Some of them are just looking for attention.

“I do not want to make a statement. Because nothing is happening and I don’t want to create anything,” he said.

He reminded Johor political leaders to heed Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s call that now was not the time to talk about politics, but instead to serve the people and fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“What matters to me is how the people see and feel, how the federal and state governments are fighting the Covid-19 crisis.

“We are under the impression that everything is alright. This is a young government and they are being tested this much, to see to what extent they can handle it.

PN holds 29 of the 56 seats in the Johor assembly. BN has 16 seats, with Umno 14 and MIC 2, while Bersatu has 11 and PAS two. An independent is supporting PN.

PH has 27 seats, with DAP having 14, Amanah nine and PKR four. – April 30, 2020.