JOHOR BAHRU, 25 June 2026 (The Capital Post) – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has strongly denied allegations by Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi that he had informed the latter that the Johor Palace had directed the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Onn Hafiz clarified that the dissolution was carried out only after obtaining the consent of DYAM Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Regent of Johor, in accordance with Clause 23, Part Two of the Laws of the Constitution of Johor 1895.
He stressed that the Menteri Besar does not possess the authority to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly at his own discretion, noting that the process must follow constitutional provisions and only takes effect upon receiving royal consent.
According to Onn Hafiz, he had sought an audience and presented the matter before the Regent of Johor before publicly announcing the dissolution to the people following the granting of consent.
He emphasised that obtaining royal consent is a constitutional process and should not be interpreted as an instruction or political interference by the Royal Institution.
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The Johor UMNO chairman described it as irresponsible to misrepresent a legitimate constitutional process in a manner that could create the perception that the Royal Institution was interfering in UMNO Johor’s political affairs and decisions.
While acknowledging that individuals have the right to leave UMNO and hold differing views from the party leadership, Onn Hafiz said such statements were serious and could touch on 3R sensitivities, particularly those involving the Royal Institution, while potentially affecting public harmony and order.
He announced that Johor UMNO would lodge a police report to enable the authorities to conduct investigations and take any necessary action.
Onn Hafiz also called on all parties to respect the Royal Institution, uphold the Constitution and the Laws of the Constitution of Johor, and refrain from using the institution as a tool in political disputes. – The Capital Post.
