Last Saturday, Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar dissolved the state assembly, paving the way for state polls to be held.
Mr Hasni, who is a member of UMNO, told reporters after the dissolution that the state government was operating at the mercy of others, with just a single seat majority.
The recent demise of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) member Osman Sapian, meant that the partners ruling the Johor state government, including Bersatu and BN, held a slim one-seat majority, with 28 out of the 56 seats in total.
The PH coalition, made up of Democratic Action Party (DAP), Amanah and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), had 27 seats.
The razor-thin majority had prompted calls by certain quarters in UMNO to call for polls to consolidate power.
Responding to Mr Suhaizan, Mr Hasni said during the Thursday dialogue that the issues hindering residents from voting will impact all parties.
“All the parties contesting are affected. If we look at the Malaysians who are working in Singapore, not all of them support the opposition. There are many who support the government.
“So we are sad as well due to circumstances making it hard for them to vote,” he said.
Additionally, Mr Hasni said that BN had won 21 out of 27 seats in the Melaka state assembly with a voter turnout of just 65 per cent. He claimed that if the voter turnout had been 70 per cent, “perhaps BN would have won all 27 seats”.
The decision from the caretaker chief minister to push for the dissolution of the state assembly and call for polls has triggered criticism, with some accusing UMNO of being desperate to consolidate political power during a period when many Johoreans are grappling with the economic impact of COVID-19 and the recent floods.
However, Mr Hasni stressed during the dialogue that it was crucial that the election be held so that whoever rules the state government will do so with a simple majority of 29 seats.
“If the government has less than 29 seats, the government is not complete… that’s why an election is needed to give the people a fresh mandate,” said Mr Hasni.
He added that a stable government was key for Johor to attract investment and preserve its importance in helping to accelerate Malaysia’s development.
“Johor is different from other states, it has to continue its legacy of success. It has contributed so much to the country,” said Mr Hasni.
“I am responsible for ensuring that Johor becomes a key destination for investors,” he added.
Source: CNA