Hasni was replaced to reaffirm Johor Ruler’s power

Former Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad was replaced from having a second term in office despite BN having a supermajority in the state polls last year to reaffirm the Ruler’s power.

“They made a mistake. Hasni was made to be a post boy, and all of them (BN assemblypersons) signed declarations supporting him.

“What, you push me to the wall? Within our (Johor) constitution, the only person who can decide on the menteri besar is the sultan.

“That’s why I changed it (appointment) and shocked everybody,” Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said, in an interview with Singapore Straits Times.

The sultan said that he went on to appoint Datuk Onn Ghazi as the Menteri Besar.

His Majesty is due to be Agong on Jan 31.

Never a puppet king

In expressing his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim he gave his word that he would not be a puppet king and would be on the side of the people.

“When I say I don’t want to see you, that’s already a big question why.

“And I have my own social media team. What I tell the prime minister, I make sure it goes out – the whole country will know.

“Either he works with me closely or things will get difficult,” he said.

“I will support the government, but if I think they are doing something improper, I will tell them,” he said.

For starters the outspoken ruler have made it clear that the investiture ceremony for federal awards scheduled initially on his second day as Agong is cancelled.

“Let me see the paper three months down the road and why this person should be appointed. What’s the criteria here?” he said.

He also expressed his wish to see the Kuala Lumpur – Singapore High Speed Rail project through the Forest City revived.

“I will make it on,” the sultan said.

The ruler has a stake in the company that developed Forest City.

Anwar had previously announced a Special Financial Zone that would boost investment and economic growth.

In a related development, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the project would be looked into based on the government’s financial ability.