JOHOR BARU: Discontent within certain divisions in Johor Barisan Nasional are expected to go on for two days following the dropping of big names including two ministers, says its chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.

He hoped that by Nomination Day on Saturday (Nov 5), everyone would cool down and close ranks for the party’s benefit.

“We are dealing with human behaviour and we have to accommodate and there will be setbacks, disappointments and unhappiness. This is not just from big names but also their supporters, so we give them a bit of time.

“Despite not being nominated, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique have given me their assurance that their respective divisions' machinery will be operational,” he added.

Hasni, who is contesting the Simpang Renggam parliamentary seat, said this in a press conference after handing out the surat watikah to Johor Barisan candidates at the state Umno headquarters here on Thursday (Nov 3).

Halimah and Dr Adham, who is the National Unity Minister and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister respectively, were dropped from Barisan’s list of GE15 candidates.

They have been replaced by Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Umno Tenggara division youth chief Manndzri Nasib.