Azmin takes up Cabinet role
PKR deputy-president says adieu as Selangor Mentri Besar
KLANG: The people of Selangor will have to say goodbye to their popular Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali as he takes up a Cabinet position.
The move, which remained unclear for several days after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad appointed Azmin as the Economic Affairs Minister last week, was officially confirmed yesterday.
Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has given him the green light to relinquish his position as the state’s top executive.
This was relayed in a statement from the Selangor palace yesterday morning.
Azmin, however, will remain as the mentri besar until a new one is sworn in.
He will present a list of potential mentri besar candidates for the Ruler’s perusal and approval.
The statement, signed by the Ru ler’s private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, stated that Azmin has received the Sultan’s blessings to take on the Federal position.
Mohamad Munir said Sultan Sharafuddin has been informed by Azmin that he has decided to take the position after discussing with Dr Mahathir about the ministry’s scope.
Mohamad Munir said the procedures initiated were in line with the Selangor State Constitution 1959 and the Federal Constitution.
Meanwhile, Azmin also issued a statement thanking Sultan Sharafuddin for giving his consent.
He conveyed his gratitude to Sultan Sharafuddin for the Ruler’s advice and guidance throughout his tenure as mentri besar and also thanked Dr Mahathir for having faith in him to handle the challenging ministry.
Azmin, the deputy president in Parti Keadilan Rakyat, said his focus will be to heal the economy and return it to its past glory.
“I will continue to be with the people of Selangor as they strive for the success, wellbeing and prosperity of the state,” added Azmin who said he was touched by the people urging him to stay on as mentri besar.
I will continue to be with the people of Selangor as they strive for the success, wellbeing and prosperity of the state.
Datuk Seri Azmin Ali