New CM wants to continue with Mohd Ali’s legacy

MELAKA: Melaka’s new chief minister, Datuk Idris Haron has promised to continue with the legacy of his predecessor, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, to bring the state’s development to greater heights.

Idris, 47, said he would also maintain the former chief minister’s work culture as the latter strove with “all his heart and soul” until Melaka became a developed and internationallyknown state.

“I choose to be a chief minister for transformation. I will continue with what Datuk Seri Mohd Ali had implemented and improve on it,” he said after meeting with the heads of department in the state at Seri Negeri, here, yesterday.

Idris said it would indeed be a big challenge for him to carry on with the development efforts undertaken by Mohd Ali.

Meanwhile, he said the appointment of the new state executive council (exco) members would be made before May 15.

Idris said he would discuss with state secretary Datuk Omar Kaseh on the appointment procedure.

“The exco line- up will he chosen among those who can steer Melaka to greater development and success,” said Idris, who knew he was chosen for the CM post only yesterday morning.

I choose to be a chief minister for transformation. I will continue with what Datuk Seri Mohd Ali had implemented and improve on it.

Datuk Idris Haron, Melaka’s new chief minister

Asked whether an MCA representative would be chosen to be in the exco following the party’s decision not to accept any post from the village right up to the federal level following its dismal performance in the 13th general election (GE13), Idris said he respected MCA’s decision.

“I will look at the offers made to the component parties which succeeded in the elections. It is up to them to accept or not.”

On the treatment of the Chinese community following the ‘ Chinese tsumani’ in the GE13, he said the BN government would implement the planned agenda including its election manifesto for the benefit of the people, regardless of race.

However, he added, the people, particularly the Chinese community, should appreciate all the assistance provided by BN government as it was done with sincerity. — Bernama