Ismail is Barisan’s pick for Perlis MB
ALOR SETAR: Perlis Barisan Nasional has agreed to have Tambun Tulang assemblyman Datuk Ismail Kassim as the Mentri Besar.
Perlis Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said he had sought an audience with the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, at about 11am on Saturday.
“I have passed him the letter of authority on behalf of Barisan to Tuanku, and he will then proceed to appoint the person who has received majority support from the state assemblymen.
“Barisan has won 10 of 15 state assembly seats in Perlis and therefore we have the power to form the state government, and I believe Barisan’s assemblymen will support the choice of MB candidate,” he told reporters when met at the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport here on Saturday afternoon.
Ismail is Shahidan’s younger brother.
Shahidan also dismissed rumours Perlis Barisan representatives including himself would jump ship to Pakatan Harapan.
“Why would we bother? We already have the majority to form the state government.
“Besides, the leadership issues must be resolved immediately because the rakyat are waiting, they will need a leader fast,” he said, adding that the swearing in ceremony would be held as soon as the Ruler approves the MB candidate.
Asked if the former Perlis MB Datuk Seri Azlan Man approved of the new candidate, Shahidan said all Barisan assemblymen would agree with Ismail being the MB.
Azlan had also won his state seat of Bintong.
Shahidan also appealed to Umno and Barisan members to remain calm.
“Follow the party’s decision. If you jump as an individual you are alone, but when decisions are made as a team they are more beneficial,” he said.
If you jump as an individual you are alone, but when decisions are made as a team they are more beneficial. Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim