Pahang MB: I want to quit, but no successor yet

Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob said that he may be looking at retirement and might not contest in the 14th General Election after his long three decades in politics, reports Berita Harian Online.

"I have been in politics for many years, it may be time to retire," he said when met after opening the Ketereh Umno divisional AGM in Kelantan today.

However, he said that he may have to hold off from stepping down as there seem to be no suitable candidates to fill his shoes as MB yet.

Also present were Ketereh Umno chief Annuar Musa and the division's Youth chief Mohd Azam Ismail.

The daily's article quoted him saying that whatever the case, he leaves it up to the Umno central leadership to decide on his fate, though in the mean time he will continue to work to strengthen the Malay party in Pahang and across the nation.

He also reportedly said that he hoped the political situation which saw political rivals stripping 'naked' each other using personal issues will not be the culture of Umno members.

"In my view, the matter (of embarrassing your opponents) will never end once begun.

"But it is up to individuals. If we hold fast to religious beliefs, we won't do such things," he said.

Yesterday, Adnan shocked the Pahang legislative assembly when he suddenly took off his shoes and lifted his left leg to his face.

Adnan then proceeded to place a pen between his toes while his leg was raised and demanded whether members in the house could do the same, according to a report by Sin Chew Daily."Can you do this 'pen between the toes' action?" he reportedly demanded from across the floor.

The menteri besar pulled off the bizarre stunt to make a point that he was in perfect health, after rumours surfaced to the contrary.

"Throughout my almost 18 years as menteri besar and 30 years as state assemblyperson, my health has been very good but recently there have been accusations that I'm suffering from poor health," he was quoted as saying.

Adnan said he was puzzled by such rumours and assured that he was in good health. -Mkini