Formation of state govt with PH for stability, says Pahang MB

 

Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the formation of the state government should be in line with the unity government in Putrajaya. (Bernama pic)

PEKAN: Pahang Barisan Nasional (BN) agreed to form the state government with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as it felt the latter is capable of bringing stability besides reflecting plurality, which is the strength of the state.

Describing the coalition as a “BN and PH unity government”, menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail believes that the formation of the state government should be in line with the formation of the federal government to ensure that the administration and planning for the state’s development proceeded smoothly.

“Through this new collaboration, a new line-up of executive councillors from both BN and PH blocs will be established soon,” he said at his first press conference as Pahang menteri besar for a second term at the district and land office here.

The appointment of Wan Rosdy, who is also Pahang BN chairman, ended the political turmoil in Pahang after the results of the 15th general election (GE15) saw a hung Pahang state assembly for the first time as no party or coalition obtained a simple majority of 22 seats to form the state government.

In GE15, BN won 16 seats, Perikatan Nasional (PN) took 17, while PH won eight.

There are 42 seats in the Pahang state assembly, but polling for the Tioman state seat was postponed to Dec 7 following the death of PN candidate Yunus Ramli, 61, on the morning of polling day on Nov 19.

The Jelai assemblyman said discussions with PH were held in a positive atmosphere with neither coalition exerting any pressure or coercion, although some requests were made when “extending hands to form the state government”.

Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said that the date for the first Pahang state legislative assembly meeting has not been finalised.

He also hoped that PN play its role as opposition firmly, objectively and as a proper check and balance to the state government.

Wan Rosdy assured that the state government represents and serves all, with its main focus being to drive economic growth towards a better and more positive direction.

“I will ensure that all political sentiments and ideological differences are put aside. The priority for all parties now is the stability and prosperity of the state,” he said.

He was also grateful to the people of Pahang who patiently followed the formation of the state government and accepted the final decision with an open mind and maturity, without letting emotions and bigotry create a bad atmosphere. - FMT