Questions are raised over ties between the Terengganu palace and state menteri besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman after he was introduced at two official events without any honorary titles, including ‘Datuk Seri’.
“The master of ceremonies at two events, one held yesterday and the other one this morning, had only referred to him (Ahmad Razif) as ‘Yang Amat Berhormat Menteri Besar…’ with no other titles.
“This certainly goes against the normal convention,” Terengganu PKR chief and Bandar assemblyperson Azan Ismail told Malaysiakini.
A Parti Amanah Negara-linked newsportal yesterday quoted a source who claimed that Terengganu’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin had last Friday revoked all titles awarded to Ahmad Razif as a sign of his displeasure, triggering rumours of another menteri besar change.
Ahmad Razif took over from Ahmad Said in May 2014.
When approached by reporters after the opening of regional conference 'Persidangan Wakaf Senusantara 2016' this morning, he only said 'thank you' before getting into his official car, Bernama reported.
The conference at Primula Hotel in Kuala Terengganu was also attended by Sultan Mizan.
A similar incident had reportedly occurred at a Dungun Umno event last night.
Berita Harian cited sources as saying that the titles were revoked through verbal decree.
Ahmad Razif was conferred the title Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu Kehormat (DPMT) which carries the title Datuk in 2012 and Seri Setia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (SSMZ) which carries the title Datuk Seri in April 2015.
Malaysiakini has contacted Ahmad Razif for comment.
Hung state assembly
Commenting further, Azan stressed that all parties should refrain on speculating over a possible change in menteri besar, as the matter is under full discretion of the sultan.
"As an assemblyperson, I sympathise with the MB. But I sympathise more with the people because the state government will not be able to focus on carrying out its duties," he said.
Azan said that the 32-seat Terengganu state assembly is now "hung" after Razif confirmed denying former MB Ahmad his constituency allocation. Ahmad is Kijal assemblyperson.
"By denying the constituency allocation to Ahmad, the menteri besar no longer recognises him as a BN assemblyperson," claimed Azan.
BN has 17 state-assemblypersons, including Ahmad, while the Opposition bench comprises 14 from PAS and Azan who is the sole PKR rep in Terengganu.
Ahmad last month filed a vote of no-confidence against Razif but it was rejected by Terengganu legislative assembly speaker Mohd Zubir Embong.
Ahmad confirmed Razif had taken over the distribution of allocations for his Kijal constituency. -Mkini
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