Two reps could be MB’s replacement
SHAH ALAM: Two names have been suggested as possible replacements for menteri besar should Datuk Seri Azmin Ali choose to take up the economic affairs portfolio in the new Pakatan Harapan cabinet.
They are Sungai Tua assemblyman Amiruddin Shari and Seri Setia assemblyman Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin, both from PKR.
Negri Sembilan Universiti Teknologi Mara rector Professor Dr Nasrudin Mohammed said Azmin would have to undergo the same process as before — present names of possible candidates to Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
“Azmin has to be granted an audience and inform the sultan of the situation, seeing that the menteri besar role is subject to the consent of the sultan.
“In the event Azmin agrees with his ministerial appointment at the federal level, and receives the consent of Sultan Sharafuddin, he can relinquish the menteri besar post.
He said Dr Shaharuddin was qualified and deserved to be among the front-runners for the post.
“Dr Shaharuddin can be a suitable menteri besar candidate. He is seen as Azmin’s close associate and a trusted ally.
“In addition, voters appear to favour personalities who have an intellectual leaning.”
However, Nasrudin said, other names, such as Amiruddin, should not be ruled out by Pakatan Harapan.
“Amiruddin is a suitable candidate if experience and the context of party politics is taken into account.
“What is more important is for the candidate to be someone whom Sultan Sharafuddin is comfortable with.
“I b elieve Azmin exc elle d as menteri besar and has managed to keep everything in check.
“I am certain that he is all too familiar with the qualities needed by the candidate to be considered for the position.
“The fact is, he does not have many choices because the candidates available are already suitable.”
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was on Friday granted an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur to present the names of parliamentarians who will be appointed cabinet ministers.
Sources told the New Straits Times Press that Amiruddin is regarded as the front-runner for menteri besar if Azmin took up the economic affairs portfolio.
However, the source said, Azmin’s departure would be a loss for the state.
“The people and staff of the Selangor government need Azmin as their menteri besar.
“It would be better if he remains in Selangor.
“Although some names have been discussed, the fact is that no one is qualified enough to helm Selangor as well as Azmin.”