Terengganu’s no-confidence motion a small issue, says DPM

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today described the motion of no confidence against Terengganu menteri besar as a small issue and need not be sensationalised.

He said he was confident that the internal conflict in Terengganu could be resolved properly and effectively by the state Umno liaison committee.

In fact, he said he had contacted the menteri besar, Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman, and several state assemblypersons to get a clearer picture of the issue.

"With the efforts undertaken by all party members and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairperson, I'm sure the issue will be resolved through a mechanism acceptable by all quarters," he said.

Speaking to reporters after presenting Home Ministry Excellent Service Award in Putrajaya today, Ahmad Zahid said the mechanism would be announced by Umno and BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor soon.

Kijal assemblyperson Ahmad Said, who is also former Terengganu menteri besar, had on Tuesday, proposed a motion of no confidence against Ahmad Razif, right before he ended his debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address at the state assembly sitting.

However, speaker Mohd Zubir Embong rejected the motion.

Ahmad, who was dropped as menteri besar midway into his second term, cited there was a conspiracy to tarnish his image as a politician.

On possible disciplinary action to be taken against Ahmad, the acting Umno deputy president said the matter would be discussed at the Umno Supreme Council meeting.

On PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan's remarks that PAS would on March 16 announce the setting up of a new opposition bloc, which is multiracial and involves non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Ahmad Zahid said "it is a democratic practice and we celebrate the differences in their opinion and principles."

According to Takiyuddin, more parties including NGOs would be joining the new pact to allow them to stand on par with Pakatan Harapan in facing the challenges at the next general elections.

- Bernama