No MB yet, Perak ruler won't interfere in party negotiations

 

There has yet to be a new Perak menteri besar candidate even though party leaders have met with Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Mohd Annuar Zaini (above), who is part of the Dewan Negara Perak, an advisory board to the Perak ruler, said it was not the sultan's responsibility to interfere in party affairs.

"All views were heard but it is not the sultan's responsibility to interfere in the affairs of the respective parties.

"The sultan can only advise on finding the best formula to form the new government and leadership. That is all," he told journalists outside Istana Kinta after the party heads met with the Perak sultan.

Earlier, Pakatan Harapan leaders followed by Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad were granted an audience with Sultan Nazrin.

Asked if there is already a new Perak menteri besar candidate, Annuar said the palace was informed that Umno is still negotiating the matter.

"We understand that Umno is having a special meeting tonight. It does not involve the palace but that is what the Umno leaders have informed," he said.

Annuar added that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will also have an audience with Sultan Nazrin tomorrow.

Asked if any coalition has secured a majority, Annuar said he can only convey what the party leaders have told the palace and their progress.

The Perak Sultan had interviewed various party leaders in the state after Ahmad Faizul Azumu (above) was yesterday ousted as the menteri besar.

Ahmad Faizal only received the support of 10 assemblypersons in a confidence vote while 48 others voted against him.

A total of 24 Umno assemblypersons and 24 opposition representatives voted against Ahmad Faizal.

Only one Umno representative voted in support of Ahmad Faizal, who is from Bersatu.

Umno initiated the ouster even though Umno and Bersatu were part of the same government.

Ahmad Faizal's government comprised 25 Umno assemblypersons, five from Bersatu, three from PAS, one from Gerakan and one independent.

PAS, angered at Umno's manoeuvring, had said it won't participate in the ongoing efforts to form a new government. Bersatu's five assemblypersons are also upset at being usurped by Umno.

Umno has ambitions to take over the position of menteri besar but it still needs the support from Bersatu and PAS to form the government.

The alternatives are to turn to Harapan or work out a confidence and supply arrangement.

A minimum of 30 assemblypersons is needed for a simple majority in the 59-member state legislature. - Mkini