Idris Haron tipped to make comeback as Melaka CM

MELAKA: There is talk that former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron will be making a comeback as the number one in the new state government.

The Melaka Umno and Bersatu-led state government is expected to seek an audience with Melaka Yang-di Pertua Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob on Monday (Mar 2) afternoon.

It is learnt that Dr Mohd Khalil is keen to see an assemblyman who could immediately manage water shortages in the state where a rationing exercise was activated on Jan 29 as well as to improve tourist arrivals to the state.

The Umno leadership has apparently decided to nominate Idris.

Dr Mohd Khalil also wants the welfare of all races in the state to be taken care of.

Following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government on the federal level, Melaka's Pakatan has 13 state seats while Barisan Nasional also has 13, but there had been no clear commitment from Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen from Bersatu and Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhamad Jailani Khamis from PKR as to whether they would continue to be part of the state government.

The state assembly is comprised of eight lawmakers from the DAP, three from PKR, two Amanah, 13 Umno and two Bersatu.

Melaka Pakatan Harapan leaders believe that one of their lawmakers, who had recently pledged support for Chief Minister Adly Zahari, could have crossed over at the eleventh hour.

This means Perikatan Nasional has 16 lawmakers while Pakatan Harapan has 12, paving the way for the formation of new state government.

When contacted, Idris only said he will leave it to the Almighty.