He said any announcements on seat allocations would only be made after the matter had been finalised.

“Based on my experience, what is discussed should not be disclosed except when the seat distribution is finalised. We do not want to ask for seats through the media as it would only result in a war of words,” he said.

“What is important is to finally reach agreement in a spirit of consultation. There is still room for discussions, no issue.”

He was speaking at a press conference after the launch of the Johor Bahru Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme by caretaker menteri besar Hasni Mohammad yesterday.

Wee also urged all parties to abide by the SOPs issued by the Election Commission for the elections, saying they would ensure the safety and well-being of the people.

Johor goes to the polls on March 12. Nominations will be held on Feb 26 and early voting on March 8.

RM150 million for myBAS services

Wee said the federal government has allocated RM150 million over a three-year period to implement the myBAS services through the SBST programme, aimed at improving bus service quality in Johor.

He said the programme, which would start in March and is expected to carry 6.4 million passengers a year, was set to be the preferred mode of public transport.

“The SBST programme has been well-received in Kangar, Ipoh, Seremban and Kuala Terengganu as it is a more dynamic system in strengthening public land transport, especially bus services.

“For the first time, we are introducing electric vehicles (EV) for Johor Bahru and we have eight EV buses to cater for the city centre area,” he said.

The 128 myBAS operation in the state would involve 19 routes in five corridors – Kota Tinggi, Masai, Kulai, Gelang Patah and Pontian – and would benefit residents living along the 1,052km stretch.