Former Johor Speaker Accuses Menteri Besar of Stifling Debate

Former Johor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Dr. Puad Zarkashi has accused Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi of attempting to stifle debate within the State Legislative Assembly. Puad, who left UMNO, claims the Menteri Besar sought to prevent both government-aligned and opposition assemblymen from participating in debates on the Johor State Constitution Amendment. He questioned the state government's fear of debate, especially given their two-thirds majority, and alleged repeated requests to shorten question-and-answer sessions.

Puad refused these requests, stating that shortening sessions would diminish the dignity of the assembly. He emphasized that assemblymen spend significant time preparing questions on behalf of their constituents, and the Menteri Besar and state executive council members are obligated to answer them. The article posits that the upcoming state election could have served as a platform for legislative reform and a showcase of assemblymen's performance to voters.

However, the lack of online debate clips or live broadcasts of Johor's assembly sessions means voters are largely unaware of what transpires within the chamber, who speaks, and how the executive responds to questions. The article contrasts this with Selangor's assemblymen's retreat in Johor, where Puad himself had previously stated that legislative reform is a collective responsibility, including the Menteri Besar's.

The piece concludes by questioning whether the young Menteri Besar, elected under the old system, will embrace legislative reform or continue to avoid open debate. This avoidance, it suggests, will be a key question following his re-election.