KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Amanah Negara president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the demand by Amanah Youth for the Mahkota state seat should not be discussed in the media as it has yet to be discussed at the top leadership level.
In a statement issued yesterday, he urged the Amanah grassroots to give their full attention to the Nenggiri by-election but refrain from discussing the issue through the media.
"I take note of the claim for the Mahkota state seat which has been declared vacant following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain last Friday.
"I stress that the issue of claiming the Mahkota state seat does not need to be discussed through the media as this issue has not yet been discussed at the top leadership level of the unity government.
"I call on all parties in the Unity government, especially Amanah members, to give full attention to the Nenggiri by-election that is currently being contested.
"Amanah remains committed to efforts to strengthen unity among the component parties of the unity government."
Yesterday, Amanah Youth exco Fadhli Umar Aminolhuda said their demands stemmed from the long-standing grievances of Johor Amanah and the party's grassroots as they felt sidelined by the Johor government.
"Johor has yet to be a unity government as PH, including Amanah, has been denied roles in the state government, such as in the appointment of council members and village heads.
Amanah Kluang chief Dr. Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain said the party had previously won the Mahkota seat during the 14th General Election (GE14) and contested again in the 2022 state elections.
In a press conference yesterday, Mohd Zuhan said while the federal and several state governments practice unity governance, Johor's government does not reflect a similar approach.
"PH Johor, despite maintaining a cordial relationship, has not been given any significant role in the state government.
"Umno, which is dominant in Johor's government, does not seem serious about fostering unity with PH.
"They have even openly declared their intention to seize several Amanah-held seats in Johor," he said.