KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 – Information Chief Shahril Hamdan expressed regret over allegations from some quarters linking the Johor State Election (PRN) to the court cluster.

He said while the matter had nothing to do with it, all parties knew about the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.

“Isn’t elections the most basic practice of democracy and in tandem with the concept of power separation itself, that is to give the people’s mandate to the legislature? It has nothing to do whtsoever with any court case.

“Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) were present in almost all by-elections and state elections before this… no link with the cluster. Why is it different when Johor state election is at stake, that such awkward allegations are issued all of a sudden? It shows the party is lack of confidence to face it,” he said in a FB posting.

Shahril added that the Menteri Besar of Johor Datuk Hasni Mohammad himself had explained the fragile situation of the state government which prompted him to call for the election.

“His Majesty the Sultan of Johor consented to the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly (DUN). That is one of the main factors that have been considered by all parties, both the Johor Palace, Johor Umno and the state government.

“We accept the decision and hope that this election can give a new mandate for a stable government to serve the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shahril explained that like the previous PRN, all parties must always remind that no matter whether it is stability or power sought, never ruin all efforts in restoring the country following the COVID-19 pandemic.