Idris willing to make way for Harapan, says no need for snap polls

 

Sungai Udang assemblyperson Idris Haron has expressed a willingness to follow the leadership of Pakatan Harapan.

He also said that snap polls should be avoided because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, sources informed Malaysiakini that Idris would most likely be the sole chief minister candidate.

Commenting on the matter, Idris said he would leave it to Malacca Governor Ali Rustam to decide whether to hold snap polls, or whether to choose a new chief minister, including from among Harapan lawmakers.

He said having Harapan in charge would not be a setback for the state.

'Won't bring Malacca backward'

"If Harapan forms the government, surely we won't bring Malacca backward; of course, we would develop the state," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Idris (above) and three other state lawmakers withdrew support for the BN-PN state government yesterday.

Initially, Harapan was reluctant to work with Idris, but later decided to hold a joint press conference with him yesterday.

Harapan has a total of 11 assemblypersons (seven DAP, two PKR and two Amanah). Along with the four on the side of Idris, it gives Harapan 15 representatives, enough for a simple majority.

Former Harapan chief minister Adly Zahari has submitted a request to meet with Ali.

Covid-19 resurgence

However, the governor's office said there would be no audience granted until Thursday.

Meanwhile, on snap polls, Idris said a repeat of the Sabah state election - which led to a Covid-19 resurgence - should be avoided.

"GE15 is near, less than a year and a half to go. We don't want what happened in Sabah to repeat here (resulting in) the number of Covid-19 patients spiking,' he said.

Idris' stance diverges from that of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said there should be fresh elections to decide who governs Malacca. - Mkini