Shahidan: Raja of Perlis holds final say on appointment of Menteri Besar

 

The final decision on the appointment of the Perlis Menteri Besar rests solely with the prerogative of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said. - NSTP/ AIZAT SHARIF

ARAU: The final decision on the appointment of the Perlis Menteri Besar rests solely with the prerogative of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said.

Shahidan said the discretion lies with the raja even if the ruling coalition submits several names of state assemblymen for consideration.

"As a constitutional monarch, Tuanku will act in accordance with the Constitution, that is, to appoint a candidate who commands the confidence of the majority of the assembly.

"In this case, Perlis PN has not nominated anyone as the matter has been left to the central leadership, and I was not asked to submit any name.

"The names proposed are merely guidelines. Ultimately, it is up to Tuanku to choose a Menteri Besar whom he deems suitable to administer Perlis," he told reporters at his residence in Jejawi today.

Shahidan, who served as Perlis Menteri Besar from 1995 to 2008, said no individual has so far been summoned to seek an audience with the Raja.

Pas has reportedly submitted two names for consideration, including Santan assemblyman, Muhammad Azmir Azizan, while Bersatu has proposed three of its assemblymen — Abu Bakar Hamzah (Kuala Perlis), Izizam Ibrahim (Titi Tinggi) and Megat Hashirat Hassan (Pauh).

The political impasse in Perlis erupted after eight PN assemblymen, including three from Pas, were found to have signed statutory declarations withdrawing support for then Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Following that, Pas central leadership moved swiftly to terminate the membership of three Pas assemblymen — Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji), Saad Seman (Chuping) and Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong).

This prompted Perlis State Legislative Assembly, Speaker, Rus'sele Eizan to declare the three seats vacant and apply for by-elections.

Subsequently, Mohd Shukri Ramli announced his resignation as Perlis Menteri Besar on Thursday, citing health reasons. - NST