Perak Umno claims state Bersatu chief disrespected PN's agreement

 

Perak Umno has hit out at Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu over the unilateral appointment of Umno's Pengkalan Hulu assemblyperson Aznel Ibrahim as his political secretary.

Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad claimed that Ahmad Faizal, who is also the Perak Bersatu chief, had disrespected Umno and the spirit of cooperation among ruling parties, including PAS, in the state.

"I need to clarify that when an agreement was reached to form the state government, all three parties - Bersatu, Umno and PAS - have agreed in writing to exercise mutual respect on matters of appointments, be it as exco members, GLCs board of directors and other political appointments.

"By right, the appointment of any Umno leader or assemblyperson into the government must be discussed with the state liaison body in the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect," said the BN Perak chief.

The Kota Tampan assemblyperson added that while he initially refrained from making an open political statement to allow focus on the battle against Covid-19, Ahmad Faizal had declared that he did not need Umno's permission to appoint Aznel.

Saarani Mohamad

"It must be remembered that the Perak government of today was formed in the spirit of camaraderie and understanding, to ensure Perak is spared from the threat of 'unhealthy politics'.

"Without the spirit of camaraderie, political stability in the state will be threatened," said Saarani, who is an Umno Supreme Council member.

"However, it looks like the understanding and agreement reached when the PN state government was formed is now no longer respected.

"The fact is, it had been broken many times," Saarani claimed.

Aznel, who is also Pengkalan Hulu assemblyperson, was sworn in as Faizal's political secretary on Oct 15, only two days after the Umno political bureau announced that the party has considered withdrawing its support for PN, as well as setting new terms for cooperation with Bersatu.

Saarani further pointed out that Umno-BN, with 25 state-assemblypersons, represents the largest bloc in Perak's 59-seat state-assembly.

"But due to obedience and tolerance, we did not withdraw support when the menteri besar position was given to Bersatu," he added.

After the downfall of the federal Pakatan Harapan government in March, several states, including Perak, also saw similar defections, which led to a change from Harapan to PN.

In Perak, Faizal was reappointed as menteri besar on March 13, despite his initial resignation three days prior.

Perak Perikatan Nasional had at the time submitted the names of three candidates to state ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah - Faizal, Saarani, as well as Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria.

PN currently controls 35 seats in Perak which include Umno's 25, PAS (three), Bersatu (four) and three independent seats (held by former DAP and Amanah members).

Only 24 state seats remain with Harapan.

Malaysiakini has contacted the MB's Office for a response. - Mkini