PETALING JAYA - The PAS leadership is making moves to replace Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, who has been unwell after suffering a heart attack last month.
It is learnt that PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang is scheduled to seek an audience with the Sultan of Kedah regarding the transition. Prior to that, Hadi is expected to meet state leaders in Alor Setar on the matter this weekend.
Despite the pressure from the PAS central leadership, Azizan is resisting it and has insisted that he is well enough to continue his duties.
The party leadership, which is concerned about the party's ability to hold on to the state in the next general election, has suggested that Azizan go on extended leave while an acting Mentri Besar is appointed to take over.
Several names have been proposed to take over and they include three senior ranking assemblymen Datuk Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi (Pengkalan Kundor), Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah (Anak Bukit) and Datuk Mohamad Taulan Mat Rasul (Tokai) . All are state exco members.
Phahrolrazi, 58, and Amiruddin, 49, are civil engineers, while Mohamad Taulan, 69, is a lawyer. Phahrolrazi is also the state deputy commissioner whereas Amiruddin is the state party treasurer.
The Kedah Constitution does not provide for a Deputy Mentri Besar.
If this goes through, it would be the second time in recent history that a sitting Mentri Besar in Kedah has stepped aside because of ill health.
In 2005, Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain suffered a stroke and made way for Datuk Mahdzir Khalid. However, Azizan insisted he is well enough to remain as Mentri Besar.
“I don't plan to take any leave because there are so many things to do.
“I am thinking of the state budget next month and there are preparations to make for our Sultan, who will be the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”
However, Azizan, who is also Kedah PAS commissioner, did not deny that there have been moves to ask him to go on leave.
“They told me, we want you to rest. We want to use your energy and skills later on'. I am okay, but some people don't want me there any more, some want me to die,” said Azizan, who was warded at the National Heart Institute for almost a month after suffering a heart attack.
Kedah PAS sources said the party was preparing a report on the Mentri Besar's health and that Hadi would be briefed during his visit to Kedah.
The report is expected to be forwarded to the palace this weekend.
Hadi will be accompanied by his right-hand man and PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali.
It was also learnt that Hadi had called Azizan on Wednesday to wish him Selamat Hari Raya and he suggested that Azizan, 67, take a “good rest” and let an acting Mentri Besar take over his duties.
But Azizan apparently did not take the suggestion well and is resisting the move to replace him.
The sources said that if there were no hitches, the transition would take place next month so that there would be no further delays to important state decisions.
- The Star
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