KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 – Vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the threats by Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub that his party will withdraw support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob if Johor state election (PRN) is held, is something to ponder.

Such threats, he said should see the PRN and General Election (GE) be held simultaneously because no government can withheld such continuous pressure.

“Salahuddin’s threat is actually not in the interest of the people but because PAN is afraid of facing the election and accepting defeat. This proves that the defeat of Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Melaka and Sarawak PRN is petrifying PH.

“Whether or not the Johor PRN is necessary is up to the discretion of the Johor State Government and the Johor Palace. All threats and intimidation from PH are not the determining factor to dissolve PRN.

“And if PH retracts support for the Prime Minister, Barisan Nasional (BN) will be ready to face the GE and form a new government without PH’s support, God willing,” he said in a FB posting.

According to Khaled, holding the Johor PRN is not an irresponsible act as it is actually a responsibility.

“We must return the mandate to the people when the government is in a position that is too fragile and unstable, instead of constantly insisting that we have the power, especially when we have to ask for the support of the opposition.

“To think that the responsibility and focus on the welfare of the people will be neglected just because of the PRN is also very wrong,” said the former Johor Menteri Besar.

Similarly, Khaled said that even if there is a PRN, the government machinery and all aid will continue to operate and be distributed as usual and nothing will be closed or stopped.