Syed Razak denies he’s stepping down as MB

PENANG: After a week of speculation that he will step down as Kedah Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain has broken his silence to deny the gossip. 

It is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to appoint or dismiss a mentri besar, he said, adding that he was not too sick to carry out his duties. 

“People can say what they want. What is important is what we want to say and implement,” he told reporters at the Island Hospital here, where he has been warded since April 9. 

Earlier, he chaired a state executive council meeting at the hospital.  

Syed Razak giving the thumbs up during a press conference at Island Hospital in Penang on Friday while Dr Haniffah looks on.

Syed Razak said although he was on medical leave, he had not neglected his duties as mentri besar. 

Speculation about him resigning arose after the mentri besar did not attend a function in Langkawi last Saturday that was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. 

“My health declined after I returned from Sabah last week.  

“I am not sure what was the cause. I ate some big prawns in Sabah before returning to Alor Star. The next day, when I was preparing to go to work, I felt sick,” he said. 

Syed Razak, 61, said he went to the Kedah Medical Centre for a check-up and found that his sugar and cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure had gone up.  

He added that he was fine now. 

“My mind is OK. My heart is OK. I will be discharged on Monday and will continue with my therapy,” he added. 

Syed Razak said he had not taken any leave since assuming the post of mentri besar on Dec 11, 1999. 

Island Hospital consultant neurologist Dr Haniffah Abdul Gafoor said he had advised Syed Razak to rest.