After only 11 months in office, Kempas assemblyperson Osman Sapian said he believed that his final decision to resign as Johor menteri besar was the best thing for him to do.

In an interview with Bernama, Osman, however, remained coy over the exact reasons behind his resignation tendered to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad last month, amid perceived tensions between Putrajaya and the Johor palace.

"(Resigning)... that was the best thing for me to do.

"Otherwise, it would have tarnished my personal reputation and the political scenario in Johor," said the fourth-term lawmaker who previously held the Kempas state seat for BN.

Reflecting on his political career, Osman said he never saw himself as taking up the menteri besar's post, even during a time when it was unimaginable for BN to lose Johor as its stronghold.

"Despite being a state assemblyperson for three terms with Umno previously, I never dreamed of being given the menteri besar's post.

"In fact, I had never held a post in the state executive council," he was quoted as saying.

Upon joining Bersatu, Osman said his focus was mainly on getting the party grassroots ready to face the general election.

“It is no mean feat for a new coalition without solid financial support to go up against Umno and BN, but we did it," he said.

Following his appointment as menteri besar, Osman said he took up another challenge to lead the largely inexperienced executive councillors.

"They never had the experience to work as assemblypersons for the government, so to change their mindset was very challenging," he added.

Bukit Kepong assemblyperson Dr Sahruddin Jamal was sworn in as the 17th menteri besar on April 14 to replace Osman.