ALOR SETAR, May 12 — Perlis Barisan Nasional (BN) has proposed that Tambun Tulang State Assemblyman Datuk Ismail Kassim be appointed as the new mentri besar.
State BN chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said he had submitted the proposal to the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, during a meeting this morning at the state capital.
The date of appointment and swearing-in of the Menteri Besar will be determined by the Perlis Ruler, he said.
“The candidate already has our support (BN) and we are confident that he will be a good leader,” he said in a press conference at the Sultan Abdul Halim International Airport here today.
In the 14th general election, BN won 10 of the 15 state seats in the state, making it possible for the coalition to form the new state government.
Asked on why Bintong State Asssemblyman Azlan Man was not retained as mentri besar, Shahidan, who is also a Member of Parliament for Arau, declined to elaborate on the matter.
“This is a party decision and we have to support it,” he said.
Commenting on rumours about the issue of ‘party-hopping’ among Perlis BN assemblymen, Shahidan said it would not be an issue as they were elected by the people and had to accept the decision.
“Where are we going to jump to,” he asked. BN won 10 seats, PKR (3) and PAS (2).
Shahidan also thanked the people of Perlis for believing in the BN and letting them continue ruling the state.
“I am proud that the people are still loyal to BN. We will implement the state manifesto and provide the best services to the people of Perlis,” he added. — Bernama
