BN reps told to state loyalty amid claims of undermining Malacca CM

 

All 20 BN assemblypersons in Malacca should state whether they are still loyal to Chief Sulaiman Md Ali amid claims that other members of the government were undermining his authority, said Ayer Keroh assemblyperson Kerk Chee Yee.

"The infighting in Umno is not new to Malaccans and the chief minister position is always coveted.

"Malaccans have a right to know if the Malacca administration is still stable and Malacca BN needs to prove that there is no crisis," Kerk said in a statement.

Kerk was referring to a report by The Vibes stating that Sulaiman (above) had grown increasingly frustrated that key government decisions were being made without his consent and is contemplating resigning.

The episode is a repeat of what led to the collapse of his previous government which comprised Umno and Bersatu at the time.

Last year, a group of Umno and Bersatu assemblypersons quit the government. Among their complaints was that Sulaiman was being controlled by a powerful figure.

This cost Sulaiman his majority and prompted him to call for fresh polls, which BN won convincingly with 21 out of the 28 seats last November.

At the centre of that allegation was Malacca Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh, who had to publicly deny claims that he was pulling Sulaiman's strings at a BN event during the election campaign.

During the campaign, there was speculation that Ab Rauf could become a chief minister but the central leadership ultimately announced that they would retain Sulaiman.

However, that allegation has surfaced again with speculation that Sulaiman was being pushed over the edge and is considering resigning.

The report stated that if Sulaiman followed through, Ab Rauf could be next in line to take the top job.

Kerk said the political manoeuvring was hypocritical of BN's campaign message of political stability.

"It's only been four months since the new Malacca government was formed and the Malacca chief minister and state government is in crisis," said the DAP lawmaker. - Mkini