JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state assembly has passed the 2021 budget with a voice vote after the second reading.
The assembly is now in session at the committee stage.
Also present was Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the assemblyman for Gambir.
Last week, Johor announced a deficit budget of RM248.14 million. The state government, however, is expected to spend RM850 million in development expenditure to implement the 12 key agendas of the budget.
It also said it would triple the total allocation for the opposition assemblymen from RM50,000 to RM150,000.
All eyes were on the sitting today as there was speculation that if the budget is rejected, it would force Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad to step down.
This followed the political developments in Perak two days ago, after its menteri besar, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is also PPBM deputy president, failed to obtain the majority support of the state assemblymen in a motion of vote of confidence at the state sssembly sitting.
The Johor assembly has 56 seats with Umno and DAP each having 14 seats, followed by PPBM (12), MIC (two), Pas (one), Amanah (nine) and PKR (four).
A simple majority of 29 seats is required to form the state government in Johor.
MORE TO COME
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