Will Azmin take up the job of economic minister?
THE Selangor MB says he will seek an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to discuss his next step.
THE TWO POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS FOR AZMIN
SELANGOR Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali will have an audience with Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to discuss his appointment as economic affairs minister.
Azmin said he would formally announce his position on whether he would remain as menteri besar after the meeting.
“At this moment, I’m still menteri besar. I’ll seek an audience with the sultan to discuss my new role, as explained to me by the prime minister.
“If a decision is made for me to assist the Federal Government, I will do so.
“I’ll then make an official announcement on my position.”
He said this after a 90-minute discussion with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here.
He said he would relay the latest developments to the sultan as it involved the post of Selangor menteri besar.
He said the transition process, if any, would be orderly, reflecting the mandate given by the people of Selangor, adding that he would ensure that the stability and strength of the state government were preserved.
On the role he was expected to play as minister, Azmin said Dr Mahathir explained the role to him, and wanted him to give additional ideas to strengthen the ministry.
“This is a new ministry. I’m sure it will be a challenge. We’ll have to work hard in the weeks to come, on top of coming up with new policies and strategies.
“Dr Mahathir acknowledged Selangor ’s economic success, and said it can be used as a basis for the development of other states.”
On the review of several mega projects that could be placed under his new portfolio, Azmin said that upon assuming office next week, he would study all projects, including the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail, approved under Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s administration.
“All mega infrastructure projects will be reviewed.
“Our practice is to execute projects that benefit the public, such as electricity supply, clean water and public housing.
“We have experience with managing public housing in Selangor and will bring these practices to the federal level.
“I’ve discussed with the prime minister the need for more discussions with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Finance Ministry for easier approval of housing loans.”
He said he was made to understand that the rejection rate for housing loans exceeded 60 per cent.
“We’ll renegotiate legal terms and contracts of mega projects approved by the previous administration.”