Harapan state leaders to decide on Perak MB candidate issue - Anwar

 

Pakatan Harapan's top leaders have left the question of the next Perak menteri besar candidate to the state level, said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the question that arose after former Perak menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu resigned was not discussed during today's Harapan presidential council meeting held in the Parliament building.

"We did not discuss that.

"We have allowed Perak state leaders to deliberate that at length and to decide and make the necessary recommendations," he told reporters in parliament when asked if Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad was considered a good candidate for the position.

Anwar further said Harapan leaders would continue to monitor the political developments in Perak before engaging in further discussions at the state level.

"This is a very positive development because again it reflects on the sheer incompetence of the then MB, and they have to take measures (to remove him).

"It is a good start. But otherwise, we have allowed them to continue with the negotiations," said Anwar in reference to the ouster of Bersatu's Ahmad Faizal Azumu as menteri besar.

In a turn of events, Perak Umno had subsequently negotiated with opposition parties DAP, PKR, and Amanah to form a state government - a move which opened the possible alliance despite criticism from all sides, notably from Umno and DAP supporters.

Anwar said Harapan party leaders in Perak are free to talk to other parties, but negotiations must be based on the principles of good governance and commitment to reforms.

"Negotiations are based on principles of governance, transparency. To us, it is about good governance.

"How do you assure or ensure that any change is only acceptable or recommended provided you can ensure stability and commitment to reforms and good governance?" he asked.

The political crisis in Perak began after Faizal was removed from the state's top post via a confidence vote in the state assembly sitting last Friday.

During the vote, 24 out of 25 Umno assemblypersons joined another 24 opposition Pakatan Harapan representatives to vote against him, causing him to lose his majority support.

Only 10 state representatives backed the Chenderiang assemblyperson. - Mkini