The bill was supported by 40 of the 56 assemblymen, according to Sinar Harian.

Menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who tabled the bill, said the appointed assemblymen would not be elected, but selected to complement the existing composition of the state assembly.

“The appointed members must receive the consent of the ruler. Such nominated assemblymen already exist in Sabah, Terengganu, and Pahang,” he said.

During the debate, Anuar Abdul Manap (BN-Pemanis) said the move was not merely about adding seats, but enhancing services for the people.

However, state opposition leader Andrew Chen (DAP-Stulang) disagreed, describing the move as rushed.

“We also feel the process of bringing this motion could have been improved, where there should have been consultation or discussions with the opposition beforehand.

“We, the Pakatan Harapan bloc, do not agree with this rushed motion,” he said.

Groups call for more women in Johor assembly

The proposal had drawn criticism from opposition parties, Barisan Nasional allies in the federal government such as DAP and PKR, as well as civil society groups.

Some called on the state government to drop or postpone the plan, while others suggested that the five seats be filled by women.

In a statement, nine women’s organisations including the Women’s Aid Organisation, Justice for Sisters, and the All Women’s Action Society said only 14 of Johor’s elected assembly members were women, and that the addition of five women assemblymen would make Johor the first state legislature to achieve the 30% minimum target for women’s representation.

The 2009 National Policy on Women established the 30% minimum target for women’s representation in the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara, and state legislative assemblies, a goal that has been reinforced in subsequent national plans.