Muhyiddin heads to Terengganu to find solution to crisis, says source

Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is on his way to Terengganu to meet former menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and Umno representatives to find a solution to the current political impasse in the state.

A source told The Malaysia Insider that Muhyiddin (pic) is expected to arrive in the east coast state this evening.

He further revealed that Ahmad Said, who was supposed to hold a press conference later today, has decided to put it off till after Muhyiddin's meeting.

"There will not be a press conference by Ahmad Said, he will meet Muhyiddin first," said the source, who requested anonymity.

He said that PAS's move to request for a special state legislative assembly sitting for a no-confidence vote against the BN state government cannot be fulfilled as long as Ahmad Said does not make a formal announcement about quitting Umno.

"Before they can call for a special sitting, there must be confirmation first that Ahmad Said is leaving the party, but until now, he has not come forward to make a formal announcement," the source added.

He also denied rumours that six other Umno state assemblymen would quit the party, saying that only three Umno state representatives have become independents.

"The status quo is three, another three have confirmed that they are not leaving," he added.

This morning, Bukit Besi assemblyman Roslee Daud quit Umno to become an independent candidate, following his dissatisfaction over Ahmad Said's removal from the MB post.

It followed both Ahmad Said and Ajil assemblyman Ghazali Taib’s resignation from the party, giving Pakatan Rakyat the majority seats in the BN-run state assembly.

PAS and PKR together have 15 seats, while BN 14.

Ahmad Said, Ghazali and Roslee have declared themselves as independent assemblymen.

The crisis in Terengganu was triggered after Najib authorised Ahmad Said’s resignation letter, which stipulated that he must step down a year after being reappointed the Terengganu MB, following the 13th general election last year.

The letter was to pacify Umno members not happy with Ahmad's appointment to head the state administration.

In his place, Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, the Seberang Takir state assemblyman, was appointed as the new Terengganu MB.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was said to have made the decision despite pleas from Ahmad Said that his removal take place after his child’s wedding on May 17, which is to be held at the MB's official residence.