Umno division chiefs unhappy with reshuffled Johor lineup

Several Umno division leaders are unhappy with Johor’s reshuffled executive council (exco) lineup, saying more eligible colleagues were overlooked for spots in the state administration.

(FMT) – Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Johor Umno division leader said the reshuffle should have included more party members who have positions in their respective divisions.

Tuesday’s shakeup saw only three division leaders in the state government – menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Simpang Renggam Umno division leader; agriculture, agro-based and rural development committee chairman Zahari Sarip, the Segamat chief; and housing and local government committee chairman Jafni Shukor, who heads the Kulai division.

The source said division chiefs had been pushing for the state administration to exclude exco members who hold no post at the divisional level.

“However that didn’t happen when the new lineup was announced,” the source said.

Three out of Onn Hafiz’s 10 exco members are assemblymen who do not hold any posts at divisional level, the source said.

“Many other assemblymen who also have positions in their respective divisions are more qualified and should have been considered,” the source said.

Separately, another division leader who did not want to be named agreed that the exco posts should have gone to party members who have positions in their respective divisions.

“They are also capable of doing the job, so I don’t see anything wrong with giving them the posts,” he said.

Naming members who have positions in their respective divisions to the lineup, he added, would also indicate that the leadership has faith in its members.

“This will see them work harder for the party, which will help the party perform better in future polls.”

However, Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros said the wing was happy with Onn Hafiz’s reshuffle.

Azleen also said the appointments were decided on by the menteri besar, and received the consent of the Regent.

He said one of those named as an exco member, Aznan Tamin, is below the age of 40. Aznan was appointed education and information committee chairman.

“It complements the energy of the Regent and the menteri besar,” Azleen added. Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is 39, while Onn Hafiz is 44.

Tuesday’s reshuffle only saw Norliza Noh dropped from the line-up, with Aznan taking over her portfolio. Several others saw their portfolios swapped.