Sultan: Azmin can take fed post
> PKR No. 2 to stay as MB until replacement is formalised
PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has consented for Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali to take up the post of minister of economic affairs at the federal level.
In a statement yesterday, the private secretary to the Sultan, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, said Mohamed Azmin will, however, remain the MB temporarily, until a new candidate is appointed.
“The Sultan was informed by Mohamed Azmin that he has agreed to accept the portfolio of minister of economic affairs and that the decision (to accept) was made after the latter was given explanation and confirmation by the prime minister of his jurisdiction and scope of duties under the new ministry.
“Taking into account this development, the Sultan has given his consent for Mohamed Azmin to take up the post.
“For the time being, he will remain as the mentri besar until the transition to a new MB is formalised,” he said.
The statement came just a day after Mohamed Azmin had an audience with the Sultan at Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam on Sunday.
Mohamad Munir said Mohamed Azmin is also required to submit a list of candidates for the MB post for the Sultan to study and consent.
“Mohamed Azmin will be relinquished of his MB position as soon as the Sultan consents to the appointment of the new MB,” he said.
Mohamad Munir said the process is done in accordance to the Formation of Selangor Government Laws 1959 and the Federal Constitution.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad unveiled his list of 14 Cabinet ministers after an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, and put Mohamed Azmin in the Economic Affairs Ministry.
The following day after a meeting with Mahathir, the PKR deputy president said he was ready to let go of his MB post if he was needed to assist the new federal government.