Osman dancing to the tune of palace led to resignation
PUCHONG: Osman Sapian had to resign as Johor Menteri Besar happened at the insistence of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is also Bersatu chairman, reported Singapore Straits Times.
Dr Mahathir was unhappy with Osman’s willingness to toe the line according to the whims of the Johor palace on matters that are beyond palace’s purview.
“According to the senior PH sources, Dr Mahathir’s decision to replace Osman came after the federal government announced plans last week to develop a ship-to-ship transfer hub in Johor Baru port waters,” reported the Singapore based daily.
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim complained that the state had not been consulted prior to the announcement and this was backed up by Osman.
Earlier this week, Dr Mahathir confirmed Osman’s resignation but Tunku Ismail, better known as TMJ announced it on Twitter and asserted that the change was due to his father’s decree four months ago.
The prerogative of who can actually appoint the Menteri Besar is likely to lead to a constitutional crisis as seen in Perak in the case involving former Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin in 2009.
Following that, the respective rulers in Selangor, Terengganu and Kedah have played a proactive role in the appointments of the their Menteri Besar.
In the case of Johor, both Dr Mahathir and Johor sultan have insisted on their prerogative to appoint the Menteri Besar.
The ruler can delay the appointment of the new menteri besar according to the state protocol.
Sultan Ibrahim is currently abroad and would return home tomorrow.
