Perak leadership crisis expected to be resolved today (Dec 9), claims Umno sec-gen

KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak state leadership crisis is expected to be resolved by Wednesday (Dec 9), claims Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (pic).

He said discussions between Umno, PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) are still ongoing, and he was confident the issue will be resolved very soon.

"At this very second, the presidents of Umno, PAS and Bersatu are currently discussing.

"I am confident it is to resolve this issue. It will be settled today... 99.9% will be resolved today," he told reporters at Parliament Wednesday.

The Perak leadership crisis has dragged on, as no side yet enjoys the majority support to form the government.

Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who granted an audience to the leaders of Umno and Pakatan Harapan Tuesday (Dec 8), is expected to make a decision when things become clearer in the next few days.

At the moment, State National Council Member Datuk Seri Annuar Zaini said no side could confirm to the Perak Sultan of having majority support.

Meanwhile, at the same press conference, Perikatan Nasional Backbenchers' Club (PNBBC) chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the government should not sell any more government assets, including Tabung Haji Plantation's land to Tamaco Plantation Sdn Bhd.

"Although the government had withdrawn the decision to sell the assets, it also mentioned that the government would review the decision.

"We do not want the government to review or to consider.

"We want the government to just withdraw from selling the assets," he said.

Tabung Haji Plantations had put up for sale its shares in Bumi Suria Ventures Sdn Bhd and Maju Warisan Sdn Bhd in December last year, citing financial constraints, worth RM170mil.

"There is no need to sell any government assets. At this point, the government can still spend without having to sell any of its assets.

"Why must we sell the assets? This has caused an uproar among the public," said Shahidan.