Selangor palace refutes claims on MB choice

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor palace has refuted claims that the state’s new menteri besar, Amirudin Shari, failed to garner Pakatan Harapan’s support for the post.

In a statement yesterday, it said Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah received a letter from PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on June 7.

The letter contained the names of three potential candidates to fill in Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s shoes after he was appointed economic affairs minister.

Dr Wan Azizah had sought the sultan’s consent on any candidate deemed competent to be sworn in as the new menteri besar.

The statement said: “Dr Wan Azizah’s letter indirectly cancelled out prior letters written by the heads of Selangor political parties to His Majesty.

“His Majesty consented to the appointment of Amirudin (Shari), who is Sungai Tua assemblyman, as the MB for the 14th term after careful consideration and obtaining views.”

It said the palace had always adhered to legal provisions and conventions in any action, and would not intervene in political matters.

Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad had on Tuesday questioned Amirudin’s appointment, claiming the latter did not have PH’s blessings.

Dr Idris said he was saddened by the turn of events and claimed that he had the support of all PH parties, while Amirudin only had Azmin’s backing.

Amirudin, 38, started his official duty as the new MB yesterday. He arrived at the state secretariat building at 7.55am before clocking in at the Menteri Besar’s office at 8am.

He held discussions with several executive councillors and senior officials in his office.

Dr Wan Azizah’s letter indirectly cancelled out prior letters written by the heads of Selangor political parties to His Majesty. His Majesty consented to the appointment of Amirudin (Shari)... as the MB for the 14th term...