Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Shahrir Abdul Samad said this was because investigations by the MACC involved individuals and not the parties they represented.

“This is the action taken by the government to cleanse ourselves (BN) and the government in view of accusations and negative perceptions about our integrity,” he told reporters after the 2017 Student Excellence Awards at SMK Sri Tebrau here today.

He was commenting on the extent the scandal in the state could affect BN voters.

Shahrir, who is also Johor Bahru MP, said all quarters should support the courageous and responsible action by the ruling government to take action against one of its members.

Yesterday, a Johor state executive councillor was remanded for a week until March 16 to assist the MACC in investigations into alleged corruption and embezzlement of properties in the state.

The MACC had arrested six men on Feb 24, including the son and special officer to the executive councillor. It also picked up a male contractor on Feb 28 for alleged involvement in the case.

Three of the seven, namely two developers and a contractor, were released on bail on March 3 and 7, while four others were released on bail two days later.

Meanwhile, Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein said he believed the investigations by the MACC would not affect people’s confidence in the party and the state’s leadership.

In fact, he said the investigation would improve the integrity and governance of the state government led by Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

“I believe people will accept and respect the action, and support the party even more.

“This is because if something is wrong, it’s wrong, no matter who does it.

“Other parties should also be reminded that no one is exempted from being investigated,” he said, “adding people should allow the authorities to carry out the investigation first, and not be too quick to accuse the individuals involved.

“And we should not punish them through the media, because they too have families and there may be some things which have not been fully clarified yet.”

He said this after launching the Muar Umno division conference and handing out 14th general election kits at Dewan Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah in Muar today.