Azalina: No political crisis in Terengganu

Minister believes Ahmad Razif will continue to helm the state government as a good menteri besar.

KUALA LUMPUR: The stripping of all state titles bestowed on Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman by the Sultan of Terengganu does not indicate a political crisis occurring in the state.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said the withdrawing of such honorific titles was the prerogative of any sultan or ruler in the country.

“To me, there is no political crisis. It is the right of Tuanku (Sultan of Terengganu) to confer or withdraw a title. It is stated in the state constitution and regulations.

“This is not a big problem, but perhaps just an internal problem in Terengganu,” she said at an appreciation luncheon for former Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar Ujang at Parliament building, here, today.

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin stripped Ahmad Razif of his state titles effective Friday, April 22, and the matter was announced in a statement issued by the Comptroller of the Royal Household, Office of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, to Bernama.

In 2012, Ahmad Razif was conferred the Darjah Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu Kehormat (DPMT), which carries the title Datuk, and in 2015, the Seri Setia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (SSMZ), which carries the title Datuk Seri.

When asked to comment on the stripping of the titles, Ahmad Razif said he accepted Sultan Mizan’s decision, and as a leader and subject, would remain loyal to the sultan.

Azalina, who is also an Umno Supreme Council member, believed that Prime Minister Najib Razak’s action in seeking an audience with Sultan Mizan soon could end public speculation on the matter.

She also believed that Ahmad Razif would continue to helm the Terengganu state government as a good menteri besar.

– BERNAMA