JOHOR BAHRU, July 24 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended the appointment of 10 Deputy State Executive Council (EXCO) members, describing the move as a lawful administrative mechanism aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the state government rather than expanding political appointments.
Responding to criticism and political attacks from several Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, Onn Hafiz said the appointments should be viewed comprehensively, taking into account administrative needs, current governance requirements and the legal framework governing the Johor State Government.
He said the appointments were made within the administrative powers of the state government, based on advice from the Johor State Legal Adviser. He stressed that Deputy EXCO members are not members of the State Executive Council and therefore do not possess executive decision-making powers.
According to Onn Hafiz, the deputy appointees do not attend State Executive Council meetings and have no authority to approve policies, financial matters or executive decisions. All decision-making powers remain exclusively with the State Executive Council members, as provided under the Johor State Constitution.
He said the appointments do not create new executive powers, transfer the authority of EXCO members or alter the structure of the state administration. Instead, they serve as an administrative mechanism to strengthen policy implementation and improve the delivery of government services without changing the mandate given by voters.
The Menteri Besar also rejected claims that the initiative was intended to increase political positions or expand the government bureaucracy. Instead, he said the appointments were introduced to improve administrative capacity, enabling more effective policy implementation, closer project monitoring and faster resolution of issues affecting the public.
Onn Hafiz noted that Johor is currently driving several major strategic initiatives, including the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, and other high-impact development projects targeted for completion by 2030.
He said these developments require stronger administrative support to ensure government policies are translated into effective action and tangible benefits for the people of Johor.
Addressing concerns over public spending, Onn Hafiz said the appointments involve only minimal financial implications and make use of existing government assets and facilities. He added that no new portfolios have been created and no additional administrative structures have been introduced that would burden the state’s finances.
The Johor Menteri Besar reaffirmed that the state government remains committed to governing with transparency, prudence and accountability, adding that every decision is made based on the interests of the people, current administrative needs and the objective of strengthening the state’s governance capacity.
— MINUTESMY
