‘Perlis Nine’ did not intend to boycott swearing-in

PETALING JAYA: The nine Barisan Nasional assemblymen from Perlis could not make it back to the state in time to attend the swearing-in of Datuk Seri Azlan Man as the mentri besar, says Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said he was informed that the nine did not intend to boycott Azlan’s swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

All nine were in Kuala Lumpur meeting Umno leaders.

“I was told it was not a boycott but that they could not make it back to Perlis in time for the swearing-in.

“If there is an impression that it was a boycott, we must correct this because we must not do anything that can be seen as going against the wishes of the Ruler,” he said.

“Umno is optimistic that the political impasse in Perlis can be resolved.”

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out the duties of the party president, was handling the issue, said Annuar.

“Everything should be referred to Datuk Seri Zahid. There are still many options to resolve this.

“I am in touch with friends in Perlis and I see a way out of this problem as long as all parties concerned are engaged,” he said yesterday.

He however declined to elaborate on the options.

Annuar advised Perlis Umno leaders to stop issuing statements on the matter or do anything that could be construed as being disrespectful towards the Raja of Perlis.

He said Umno had suggested that Dr Ahmad Zahid seek an audience with the Raja of Perlis.

“We respect the Raja of Perlis and when there is a misunderstanding we feel that the leader of the party should seek an audience with the Ruler,” he said.

Asked about a proposal by Perlis Umno to expel Azlan from the party, Annuar said the party had not discussed the issue.

Dr Ahmad Zahid’s aide, when contacted, said the Umno leader was not scheduled to seek an audience with the Raja of Perlis yesterday.