NEWLY appointed Johor Umno chairman Mohamed Khaled Nordin wants to ensure unity with the state party liaison committee remains intact. 

Thanking Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for entrusting him with the job, Khaled, who is also Umno vice-president, said the position comes with very heavy responsibilities. 

“I also appreciate Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad’s great contribution to Johor Umno. 

“This leadership transition was carried out so that I can continue the good work he has done, God willing,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook today. 

On Friday, the Umno Supreme Council made a decision to drop Hasni, who is also Simpang Renggam MP, as state party chief, and announced Khaled as his replacement.

Khaled said the leadership change was not meant to strengthen certain factions or groups, but instead to rebuild Umno’s strength. 

“In politics, there are always challenges. Accept them as part of the struggle and, God willing, there will be blessings from this,” he said.

The Kota Tinggi MP urged the Johor Umno leadership to consolidate and speak in one voice for the sake of the party’s continuity, without excluding or marginalising anyone.

“To me, everyone is Johor Umno’s family member and friend who will be celebrated and appreciated,” said the ex-Johor chief minister. – Bernama, January 29, 2023.