Zahid: Umno discussing Perak MB post with all parties - new coalition possible

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his party has discussed the formation of the next Perak state government with all parties, including the opposition, and he will move to propose names for the menteri besar post to Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Zahid said this at a press conference at Istana Kinta, Ipoh where the Sultan just granted him an audience.

"I really value the openness of Tuanku in meeting the main leaders of the main parties in Perak," said Zahid, whose party has the largest representatives in the state assembly with 25 seats.

Zahid was meeting Sultan Nazrin following the resignation of Bersatu's Ahmad Faizal Azumu as menteri besar yesterday.

"Umno and BN have taken the approach that the existing framework under the previous MB's leadership should be maintained as much as possible," he said, in reference to the outgoing Umno-Bersatu-PAS administration.

"But as we know, seeing (the stance from) the PAS secretary-general and Bersatu, Umno will therefore take into account all political considerations in forming a new government that has strong support," he added, opening the possibility of cooperation with other parties in a new alignment.

"I will present the proposed names for the new Perak MB to Sultan Nazrin, and it is fully within his discretion and right to determine who will lead the new Perak administration."

Zahid declined to reveal the names he proposed. 

Sources told Malaysiakini that three names are on the table - Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad, former menteri besar Zambry Kadir and Rungkup assemblyperson Shahrul Zaman Yahya.

Umno is in the driving seat with 25 seats but needs at least five more to form the government.

Bersatu - with five seats - is stung over the move to remove Faizal, while PAS (three seats) has said it would not join in efforts to form the next state government.

If Umno can't secure enough support from its members and PAS, it will have to reach across the aisle to cobble support from Pakatan Harapan which has 24 seats - DAP (16), Amanah (five) and PKR (three).

Meanwhile, Mohd Annuar Zaini (above), who is part of the Dewan Negara Perak which is an advisory board to the Perak ruler, told the press that while the situation was fluid, there was unlikely to be an immediate appointment of a new menteri besar and swearing-in of one tomorrow.

"Sultan Nazrin held an audience with the Umno president who has presented the latest developments from Umno's point of view, whatever conclusions the party reached in its liaison meeting last night.

"Only after the Sultan is convinced that there is a candidate who has already obtained a simple majority (of support in the state assembly) can he be appointed and take the oath of office as the new MB," Annuar said.

He informed the press that there are no further visits scheduled today.

"So far there is still nothing, but the situation is dynamic.

"If there is anything we will inform it through official channels, through the government media," he added. - Mkini