PERLIS MB CRISIS ENTERS NEW PHASE
Zahid, Hisham granted audience with state ruler
THE state’s menteri besar crisis has entered a new phase with Barisan Nasional acting chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi granted an audience with Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail at Istana Arau yesterday.
Accompanying Zahid was Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is carrying out the duties of Umno deputy president.
Both were seen at Istana Arau’s “Blue Room” before being granted an audience with Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin at 11.55am.
It is understood that they were meeting the ruler to discuss the crisis surrounding the role of the state’s menteri besar, now in its 13th day.
Both left the palace at 1.15pm after spending an hour in the presence of the ruler.
Zahid declined to field questions from reporters. He and Hishammuddin merely waved and said thank you.
Sources have claimed that Datuk Seri Azlan Man, who is the former menteri besar, will hang on to the post. However, this has yet to be verified at press time.
Kangar Umno division deputy chief Datuk Azam Rashid was seen in the palace, lending strength to rumours that Azlan, who is Kangar Umno division chief, will helm the state as its menteri besar.
The crisis surrounding the post began when state BN chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim proposed that Tambun Tulang assemblyman Datuk Ismail Kassim, who is his brother, be the new menteri besar.
Shahidan’s deputy, Azlan, who is Bintong assemblyman, said he was not aware of the matter.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin subsequently summoned 10 BN elected representatives for an audience.