Embattled Osman Sapian meets sultan over his political fate
JOHOR BARU: Embattled Johor Menteri Datuk Osman Sapian is meeting state ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar officially today to discuss about the ongoing crisis over his position.
He is currently in audience with the ruler along with the state secretary, Datuk Azmi Rohani.
Osman who is also Kempas state assemblyman was driven into the palace compound of Istana Pasir Pelangi at 9.05 am this morning.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced Osman’s resignation as MB as the former was unhappy with Osman who was toeing the line to the whims of the Johor royalty on matters that was beyond the scope of the royal family.
Sultan Ibrahim however did not consent the resignation and this led to a clash between Dr Mahathir and the state crown prince, Tunku Ismail Ibrahim.
The prince subsequently revealed that the consent was given.
Ismail insisted that the ruler is empowered to appoint a sultan based on Johor state constitution whereas Dr Mahathir pointed out that the MB candidate would be determined by the party that has the confidence of the majority in the state assembly.
Ismail also has raised his objections against government’s plans to ratify the Rome Statute and most recently met with opposition parties, Umno and PAS youth chiefs.
Osman is the 16th Johor mentri besar and holds the record of serving the shortest period of 10 months after taking his oath of office on May 12 last year after Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th general election.
