ARAU, 22 Mei — Two top Umno leaders had an audience today with the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra, at Istana Arau, believed to be on the issue of the appointment of the Perlis Mentri Besar.

Umno acting president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and acting deputy president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein were seen entering the palace compound in an MPV and leaving about 20 minutes later.

Barisan Nasional retained Perlis in the general election on May 9 when it won 10 of the 15 state seats, but the Mentri Besar has yet to be appointed.

On May 18, all the 10 BN state assemblymen had an audience with Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.

Earlier, on May 12, Perlis Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim reportedly presented three names for Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin to select the Mentri Besar.

The issue has prolonged for 13 days up to today. After the general election in 2008, it took Perlis up to two weeks to settle the appointment of the Mentri Besar. — Bernama