Sultan sets 2pm deadline

Perak Ruler gives ultimatum for formation of state government

IPOH: The stalemate over the state government entered its third day with the state Ruler giving all sides until 2pm today to sort things out.

Pakatan Harapan, with 29 assemblymen, needs just one more to form a state government. However, Barisan Nasional with 27 and PAS with three, could form a coalition and get to the magic number of 30 first.

According to sources, a deal is being brokered in Kuala Lumpur to get one of the Barisan assemblymen to join Pakatan before the deadline today.

A Pakatan assemblyman said a deal was being brokered between federal party leaders and a Barisan assemblyman.

“This is being done in Kuala Lumpur. We have no idea who’s being lured to join us,” he said.

“We have been instructed to get our official attire ready,” he added.

Perak National Council (Dewan Negara Perak) member Datuk Seri Annuar Zaini, speaking after a meeting among the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and four state Pakatan representatives at Istana Kinta here yesterday, said Pakatan had asked for until 2pm to show it had the numbers.

The four are the respective Pakatan party chiefs, Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia), Nga Kor Ming (DAP), Dr Mohd Nor Manutty (PKR) and Asmuni Awi (Amanah).

“Pakatan will be given the first option to form the state government as it has 29 state seats,” said Annuar.

Earlier, the Sultan had also received a letter from Barisan saying that it had the simple majority with 27 from Barisan and three from PAS.

Annuar said that if Pakatan failed to show it had the numbers, the Sultan will not want to delay the formation of the state government.

PAS, meanwhile, is revelling in its role as “kingmaker” in Perak.

In a statement released after a special working committee meeting with central PAS members, party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said in Terengganu that they had offered to form a unity government on the condition that it is led by a Muslim with a majority of Muslim assemblymen.

“The majority of the state executive councillors must also be Muslim,” he said.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said leaders from both parties need to meet with PAS if they agree with its offer.

“If Barisan or Pakatan Harapan need us, they will come. We are not hoping for anyone to come,” he said.

He said if an agreement could not be reached among the three parties to form a unity government, a snap election could be called.