The electoral reform group said the vote of confidence was vital as Barisan Nasional had named former menteri besar Hasni Mohammad as its menteri besar candidate in the election campaign, and 38 newly elected BN assemblymen had reportedly signed statutory declarations in his support.

In a statement today, it urged the Johor government to amend the state constitution and standing order of the state assembly to establish a “confirmatory vote of confidence” mechanism to confirm the appointment of any new menteri besar.

It said the vote should be taken after an election or during midterm “to validate the menteri besar’s legitimacy and reduce the possibility of a midterm change in government”.

“Bersih sees (the present situation) as having the potential to create instability in Johor if the system is not reformed to allow the state assembly to confirm its support for the new menteri besar,” it said.

It also said a “constructive vote of no confidence” (CVNC) should be introduced in the state assembly, so the menteri besar cannot be ousted unless the vote contains the name of his successor approved by a simple majority.

With this method, it said, no snap elections will be required as the menteri besar can be replaced.

“These amendments will avoid endless political machinations and raise the people’s confidence in parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, as well as ensuring greater political stability,” it said.

Onn Hafiz, the grandson of former prime minister Hussein Onn, was sworn in as Johor’s 19th menteri besar by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Bahru on Tuesday.