S’gor may have new MB with Azmin getting Cabinet post

KLANG: Selangor may have a new Mentri Besar next week now that Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has been appointed a Cabinet minister.

His post as Economic Affairs Minister has raised questions about his position in Selangor.

He also holds three portfolios in the state exco.

When met last night after breaking of fast with the Sultan of Selangor, Azmin downplayed the matter.

“I will be meeting the Prime Minister soon to get more information on the appointment,” he added.

Azmin, 54, said he would seek an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today to determine whether he should remain in the state or move to the Federal Government.

A Pakatan Harapan insider claimed that there was nothing legally that barred an elected representative from holding positions in both the Federal and state Cabinets.

“So legally, Azmin can be both Mentri Besar and Cabinet minister but the question here is whether he can juggle both positions,” said the source.

All the positions in both federal and state levels are full-time jobs and to concentrate on one would mean neglecting the other, he added.

Given this, he said, there was a high chance that Azmin would give up his Mentri Besar position.

However, a senior Pakatan elected repesentative said there were discussions prior to this about Azmin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir holding both state and Cabinet positions if the need should arise.

“This turn of events is not something unexpected,” he added.

He cited the precedent set by former Penang Chief Minister, the late Tun Lim Chong Eu, and former Sabah Chief Minister Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun who had held posts at both levels.

“When Gerakan joined the then Alliance, Lim was given a federal position in addition to him being Penang chief minister,” said the source.

Datu Mustapha, he said, was given a Cabinet post after his party Usno became Barisan Nasional friendly.

In the event a new Mentri Besar is sworn in to replace Azmin, the person will be from PKR since the party is helming Selangor.

Another Pakatan source claimed that Tanjong Sepat assemblyman Borhan Aman Shah would be the one likely to take over from Azmin if he gives up his MB post.

Borhan, who is Selangor PKR secretary, is said to have some of Azmin’s charisma.