Liew said although there had been some previous misunderstandings, Osman had made amends for these.

“Osman has committed to giving all elected representatives RM50,000 annually for operations of officers and hiring of staff, regardless of whether they are government or opposition.

“This is a very good move. We should give people some time for them to show their leadership.

“Let us judge them from their deeds rather than their words,” he said after a guest appearance at a forum titled “Puasa: Agama vs Budaya”, held at the Tuanku Syed Putra Jamallulail mosque here last night.

Osman had caused an uproar when he reportedly said that he would not give allocations to opposition members in his state assembly. This was because the previous Barisan Nasional government had denied allocations to the opposition at the time, he said.

Osman’s words sparked a backlash, with many calling for him to step down as menteri besar.

However, the Johor PPBM secretary later made a U-turn, saying RM2.8 million was being allocated for the 56 members of the state assembly this year, including for opposition representatives.

“After studying the state’s finances, I want to announce that at present, the priority of the government under me is to provide immediate assistance to the people after the 14th general election.

“We want to give assistance to the people, regardless of political differences,” he said.

All Johor reps to get RM50,000 — including those from opposition