JIDIN or ROZI?
Two names widely touted as candidates for TERENGGANU MB post
PETALING JAYA: Two names have been strongly touted as potential candidates for the post of Terengganu mentri besar following reports that the prime minister will meet Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin soon over the matter.
The two possible successors being mentioned are Telemong assemblyman Datuk Rozi Mamat and Permaisuri assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jidin Shafee. Both are state executive councillors.
According to a source, there is a strong likelihood that Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman will be replaced as the state leader as he no longer enjoys a “good working relationship” with the sultan.
“It is very likely that Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak will announce a replacement following his meeting with the sultan. The mentri besar has to report all state matters weekly to the sultan and if they do not enjoy a good working relationship, then dealing
with certain matters may be difficult,” said the source.
On April 22, Sultan Mizan stripped Ahmad Razif (pix) of his “Datuk” and “Datuk Seri” titles. He thus becomes the first sitting MB to have his state titles revoked.
Though it is not clear what was the reason behind the revocation of his titles, it is rumoured that the sultan was upset over a statement Ahmad Razif made in a speech at an event jointly attended by him.
Rozi, who is the state Youth and Sports Committee chairman, has since denied knowing anything about being appointed to the mentri besar post.
“I have not heard anything about a new MB for now. Let us not speculate until a conclusive announcement is made by the PM,” he had said.
Mohd Jidin, the exco in charge of state Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism, is a graduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia and had served in the civil service and in Terengganu Umno in various positions.
It is believed that Umno leaders in the state favour Mohd Jidin.
It was also learnt that Ahmad Razif has since stated that he would not be attending his official programmes for the week and would instead be represented by an exco member.
However, he chaired the weekly state exco meeting as usual yesterday, where he appeared to be in high spirits.