PAS VP says never thought of MB post but open to what's in store

 

STATE POLLS | PAS vice-president Mohd Amar Abdullah today said he never thought of becoming the next Kelantan menteri besar, despite having served as the state government’s number two.

Defending his Panchor state seat for the fifth term, Mohd Amar said he will accept whatever is in store for him.

“For now, that (deputy menteri besar position) is enough for me, personally.

“The current position comes with a heavy burden, but we can’t deny Allah’s will,” he said during a daily press conference with Kelantan PAS candidates in Kota Bharu today.

He said this when asked about his readiness if named as the new Kelantan menteri besar after the state polls, replacing Ahmad Yakob who previously indicated he would step down from the position.

Pressed further, Ahmad quipped, “I want to be prime minister.”

Kelantan caretaker menteri besar Ahmad Yakob

Speculations surrounding Mohd Amar’s rise to be Kelantan’s next menteri besar were partly fueled by his record of serving as Ahmad’s deputy since 2013.

Ahmad previously said PAS has no difficulties to replace him as menteri besar because all of their candidates in Kelantan are deemed qualified for the position.

He also said any decision will only be made after polling day on Aug 12 and after PAS-Perikatan Nasional forms the new Kelantan state government.

‘Focus on winning first’

Meanwhile, Mohd Amar said the question of a new menteri besar is not important to PAS and PN at this stage, as its main focus remains on retaining Kelantan.

“If we’re talking (now) about the menteri besar candidate, but suddenly we can’t win this election, what is the point?

“We focus on winning first. The menteri besar post, firstly will be decided by central PAS, especially the president, followed by the palace’s assent. These are two important factors,” he said.

“That is why we at the state level have never even discussed the menteri besar candidate,” he added. - Mkini