GE15: Pakatan made the offer to form coalition with Barisan, says Perak MB

KUALA KANGSAR: It was Pakatan Harapan who offered to form a state government with Barisan Nasional, says newly sworn-in Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

He said Pakatan had approached him with an offer for him to be the mentri besar.

“Apart from the position as mentri besar, Pakatan also offered us three positions under the state exco and the post of Speaker.

“For Perikatan Nasional, the state secretary Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin contacted me at 3am on Sunday (Nov 20) to arrange a meeting with their chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu on the following day.

“When we met on Monday (Nov 21), I told them what was offered to Barisan and asked if they have an offer for us,” he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony at Casuarina Hotel here Monday (Nov 21), but did not elaborate.

Saarani, who retained the Kota Tampan seat in GE15, said he forgave those who might not understand the reason behind the coalition with Pakatan.

“A meeting will be held among Barisan members where we will explain in detail the reason behind the move.

“When the (GE15) result was announced, we were ready to be the opposition, but in my opinion, we need to quickly form the government for the sake of the people.

“Of course, I will take the offer by Pakatan, if not, our members will call me ‘stupid’,” he said, adding that the coalition has no names but it will be called a “unity government”.

Saarani added that the swearing-in ceremony for the state exco will be held at 11.30am at Istana Iskandariah on Tuesday (Nov 22).