ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor State Assembly officially has been dissolved as of Jan 22 after the unicameral legislature's Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat announced the government gazette on the matter here today.
The government gazette was also officially handed over to the Election Commission (EC) for follow up proceedings to hold the state election which must take place in 60 days.
"This gazette informs that the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has given provision to dissolve the 14th Johor state assembly.
"It is in accordance with Clause 23 of Part Two, of the (Johor) Government Constitution Act 1895.
"An election must be held within 60 days from the date of the dissolution of the state assembly, to enable the (new) state government to be formed," he said.
Suhaizan said this in reading the dissolution letter of the Johor State Assembly, at his office at the State Legislature Building, today.
Earlier, he handed over the Johor State Assembly Dissolution Proclamation Gazette to the Director of the Johor Election Commission (EC), Nor Nekman Jaimon.
Yesterday, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar consented to sign the letter of dissolution of the state assembly to pave the way for a state election.
Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad had an audience with the ruler at Istana Bukit Serene, here, at 5pm, yesterday to inform the state government's intention to hold a state election.
Meanwhile, on his position as the State Assembly Speaker, Suhaizan said he will continue carrying out the task until the new state government is formed and the appointment of a new state assembly Speaker is made.
"I am still the Speaker of the Johor State Assembly until the new state government is formed and a new Speaker is appointed," he said.
Meanwhile, the Johor Election Commission (EC) will consult its headquarters before making preparations including a special meeting to discuss the 15th Johor State Election.
Nor Nekman said this was to enable the EC headquarters to provide the election details and the preparations that need to be done by the state.
"So far, we still do not have a date when the 15th state election Johor meeting will be held.
"The Johor EC will refer to the headquarters first, including informing the receipt of the Johor State Assembly Dissolution Proclamation Gazette received from the Johor State Assembly Speaker, Suhaizan Kaiat.
"It is up to the headquarters to determine the date. An announcement will be made later," he said.