Two names have been touted as possible replacements for the Selangor Menteri Besar post should Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali become the Economic Affairs Minister.
They are Sungai Tua assemblyman Amiruddin Shari, and Seri Setia assemblyman Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin, both from PKR.
SHAH ALAM: Two names have been touted as possible replacements for the Selangor Menteri Besar post should Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali opt for the Economic Affairs Minister 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 UiTM Rector, Prof Dr Nasrudin Mohammed, said Azmin would have to undergo the same process, i presenting the names of possible Selangor MB candidates to the Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, as before.
“Azmin has to be granted an audience and inform the Sultan of the situation, seeing that the role of the Menteri Besar is upon the consent of the Sultan.
“In the event Azmin agrees with his ministerial appointment at Federal level, and receives the consent of Sultan Sharafuddin, he can then relinquish the post of Menteri Besar,” he said.
Nashrudin is of the opinion that Dr Shaharuddin is technically qualified and deserves to be among the front runners for the Selangor Menteri Besar position.
“Dr Shaharuddin could be a suitable candidate. He is also seen as a close associate of Azmin and a trusted ally.
“In addition, voters now appear to favour personalities who have an intellectual leaning,” he said.
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 however, is for the candidate to be someone whom Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is comfortable with.
“I believe that Azmin had excelled as an MB and has managed to keep everything in check. I am certain that he is all too familiar with the qualities needed by the candidate in order to be considered for the MB position.
“The fact is, he does not have many choices because the candidates available are already suitable,” he said.
Dr Mahathir was on Friday granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V at the Istana Negara to present the names of parliamentarians who will be appointed cabinet ministers.
Meanwhile, sources told NSTP that Amirudin is regarded as the front-runner for the Selangor MB post if Azmin opts to take up the Economic Affairs Minister 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 has done.”
Source: NST Online
