Onn Hafiz defends Johor’s 10 deputy exco appointments as administrative move

Onn Hafiz defends Johor’s 10 deputy exco appointments as administrative move

SHAH ALAM – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defended the appointment of 10 deputy state executive councillors saying the move was aimed at strengthening administrative capacity, improving policy implementation and enhancing public service delivery rather than creating additional political positions or expanding the state bureaucracy.

He said the appointments should be viewed based on administrative needs, legal provisions and the state’s current development priorities, following criticism from several Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders over the creation of the positions.

“I have taken note of the statements and political criticisms from several PH leaders regarding the appointment of 10 deputy state executive councillors.

“While respecting everyone’s right to express their views, the matter should be assessed comprehensively based on administrative principles, current needs and legal provisions,” he said in a statement posted on Threads.

The appointment of the 10 deputy state executive councillors marked the first time such positions had been created in Johor, prompting questions from opposition figures over their purpose, authority and financial implications.

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DAP Senai assemblyman Wong Bor Yang previously questioned the scope of duties and necessity of the appointments, warning that unclear responsibilities could create overlapping jurisdictions, weaken legislative checks and balances and raise concerns over additional government expenditure.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim also called for the positions to undergo legal scrutiny, arguing that the deputy state executive councillor role was not specifically provided for under the Johor State Constitution and urging the state government and legal adviser to review the matter.

Responding to the concerns, Onn Hafiz said the appointments were made within the administrative powers of the state government based on advice from the Johor State Legal Adviser.

“The state government emphasised that, based on the advice of the Johor State Legal Adviser, the appointment of the 10 deputy state executive councillors was made within the administrative powers of the state government.

“It is important to understand that deputy excos are not members of the State Executive Council and do not hold decision-making authority on behalf of exco members.

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“They do not attend State Executive Council meetings or have the power to approve policies, financial matters or executive decisions, as all such authority remains with the exco members under the Johor Constitution,” he said.

Onn Hafiz said the appointments would not change the existing structure of state administration, transfer authority from exco members or affect the mandate given by voters through elections.

He stressed that the move does not create additional executive powers but serves as an administrative mechanism to strengthen policy implementation, project monitoring and public service delivery.

He added that the appointments were intended to improve efficiency as Johor carries out several major development initiatives, including the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and other high-impact projects under the Maju Johor 2030 agenda.

“The state government stressed that the appointments are not intended to create additional political positions or expand the bureaucracy.

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“Rather, they aim to enhance administrative capacity so that government policies, projects and efforts to address public issues can be carried out more efficiently, quickly and effectively.

“No new portfolios have been created and there has been no expansion of the administrative structure that would impose additional financial burdens on the state,” he said.

The 10 deputy state executive councillors were assigned responsibilities covering areas including housing, youth, Islamic affairs, health, investment, infrastructure, women and family development, agriculture, heritage and education.

Onn Hafiz said strengthening administrative capacity was necessary to ensure Johor’s development plans could be effectively translated into implementation and outcomes that benefit the public.

“The state government remains committed to governing transparently, prudently and responsibly, with every decision guided by the interests of the people, current needs and efforts to strengthen Johor’s administrative capabilities,” he said.