Selangor assembly speaker moots Azmin as opposition leader

 

Selangor state assembly speaker Ng Suee Lim has proposed that Azmin Ali (Bersatu-Bukit Antarabangsa) take up the mantle of opposition leader in the state.

According to Bernama, Ng said the position is suited for Azmin based on his experience and former positions.

Azmin was senior minister of the economic cluster and minister of international trade and industry from 2020 to 2022. He was also Selangor menteri besar from 2014 to 2018.

Ng (above) said as Azmin is currently not an MP, he has more time to play the role of Selangor opposition leader and provide checks and balances to the state government.

He was commenting on a motion by Azmin during today’s assembly sitting in which it was suggested that Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PAS-Sijangkang) be the opposition leader.

However, Ng said Azmin is more suited to the role than Yunus.

Current opposition leader needs to resign first

The speaker also added that Rizam Ismail (Umno-Sungai Air Tawar) needs to submit his resignation as opposition leader first before he can appoint a replacement.

“In the assembly, we cannot just listen to words and it cannot be brought (to the assembly), facts are needed, letters (from Rizam) and so forth.

“When he (Azmin) suddenly represented Umno, I was surprised. Rizam is the one supposed to hand in the letter to me,” Ng told reporters in Shah Alam today.

He also explained if the position of opposition leader fell vacant, he would ask the biggest opposition bloc in Selangor to suggest a name before any appointment is made.

“Maybe Rizam is busy today but we will give room to the opposition bloc to debate within the time stipulated,” he added.

According to Bernama, Azmin earlier asked Ng to clarify the position of opposition leader during the assembly sitting.

“Yesterday, I (Azmin) spoke to the Sungai Air Tawar assemblyperson (Rizam) and he was ready to hand over the tasks and duties to us.

“Of course, the role of the opposition leader is important in debating Selangor matters. So I’m seeking the speaker’s advice in this matter.

“It’s important for the Selangor assembly to create a healthy environment with an effective opposition so I urge the speaker and suggest the Sijangkang assemblyperson as the Selangor opposition leader,” Azmin said. - Mkini