Saarani to be sworn in as Perak MB tomorrow (Dec 10)

IPOH: Kota Tampan assemblyman Datuk Saarani Mohamad (pic) from Umno will be the next Perak Mentri Besar.

Comptroller of the Royal Household Col Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamad Nor (R) said Saarani has received the majority support of Perak assemblymen.

"The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar at 11am tomorrow (Dec 10)," he told reporters at Istana Kinta today (Dec 9).

Earlier today, Barisan Nasional, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and PAS said they had reached a consensus and agreed to nominate as the next Mentri Besar of Perak.

This was announced in a joint statement by Barisan secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

They said a consensus was reached by the three parties after a meeting earlier Wednesday.

“In this meeting, the Barisan chairman (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) conveyed his apologies on behalf of the Perak Barisan assemblymen over the mistake that took place, ” they said.

“Based on the spirit of Perikatan Nasional, the three parties agree to propose Saarani as the new Perak Mentri Besar to be consented by the Sultan of Perak.”

There was speculation of strained ties between Barisan and Perikatan after Umno and Pakatan Harapan assemblymen voted against Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu as the Mentri Besar in a confidence motion tabled in the Perak state assembly last Friday (Dec 4).

In the 59-seat state assembly, Umno has 25 seats, Bersatu five, PAS three, Gerakan one and Independent holds one.

The Opposition has 24 seats: DAP (16), PKR (three) and Parti Amanah Negara (five).

More to come