| IPOH: The loose three-party coalition has submitted the names of three candidates -- one each from DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Pas -- to Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak for consideration for appointment as menteri besar. The trio are state DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham, who is Sitiawan assemblyman and Beruas MP, state PKR treasurer and Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, and state Pas liaison secretary and Pasir Panjang assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
The three names were submitted to Sultan Azlan Shah's secretary at Istana Kinta at 2pm yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference, Ngeh said the coalition decided to submit three names after considering various factors and the state constitution.
"This (naming of three candidates) is to show that no one person dictates how things should be done. The menteri besar is just to lead the executive council and everything will only be decided after all three parties in the coalition agree. "We have also unanimously agreed to fully endorse and support whoever the Sultan of Perak chooses," he said while urging supporters from all the three parties to do the same no matter who was chosen as menteri besar.
The state constitution rules that the menteri besar has to be a Malay Muslim, but Section 12(2) provides the sultan the discretion to waive the requirement.
Asked when they expected a decision, Ngeh said the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah had indicated that the coalition government should be formed as soon as possible.
"Maybe tonight, who knows? Just another two days left (to Thursday).
"We will wait for the official announcement. It is Sultan Azlan Shah's prerogative who should be appointed the menteri besar and we fully respect his role on this matter."
As for the list of state Exco members, he said the coalition government would make an official announcement soon after the menteri besar post is filled.
On rumours that Barisan Nasional was trying to entice the three parties' assemblymen to cross over, Ngeh laughed and said it was the other way around.
In the just-concluded general election, DAP secured the highest number of state seats with 18, followed by PKR with seven and Pas with six in the 59-seat state assembly.
DAP retained Jelapang, Pantai Remis, Sitiawan, Pasir Pinji, Kepayang, Menglembu and Keranji. They also wrested Bercham, Buntong, Aulong, Pokok Assam, Canning Garden, Pasir Bedamar, Sungkai, Jalong, Tebing Tinggi, Tronoh and Malim Nawar from Barisan Nasional.
PKR won in Hutan Melintang, Behrang, Kuala Kurau, Kuala Sepetang, Simpang Pulai, Teja and Changkat Jering while Pas won in Pasir Panjang, Titi Serong, Gunung Semanggol, Selinsing, Lubuk Merbau and Changkat Jong. - NST |
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