MELAKA: A new Chief Minister of Melaka is expected to be sworn in this Friday (March 31).
Speculation that Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali has resigned surfaced after his aides were seen clearing their desks on Wednesday (March 29), apparently to pave the way for officials from the incoming administration.
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A reliable source at the Chief Minister's Office told The Star that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 3pm on Friday.
"However, the media has to wait for the official announcement from the state secretary on whether the ceremony would proceed or otherwise," the source said.
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State investment, industry, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh is tipped to be the new Chief Minister.
However, the source said the final decision is up to Federal leaders as well as Melaka Yang-Di Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam.
"We have to wait until Friday," he said.
It is also learnt that Sulaiman and Ab Rauf met Dr Mohd Ali on Wednesday morning.
Among the matters discussed was the inclusion of two DAP assemblymen in the new exco line-up.
Several Barisan Nasional assemblymen are also expected to be dropped from the line-up.
On Monday (March 27), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Melaka may see the formation of a unity government.
Speaking at the Santunan Kasih Ramadan programme at the Ar-Rahman Mosque in Kampung Pulai, Serkam here, Ahmad Zahid said this was in line with the unity government at federal level.
Attempts to obtain a comment from Sulaiman have been unsuccessful since Tuesday (March 28).
On Oct 4, 2021, Sulaiman's administration collapsed when four assemblymen withdrew their support for the Barisan Nasional/Perikatan Nasional-led state government.
This led to a state election being held in November with Barisan securing a thumping victory and Sulaiman being sworn in as Chief Minister once again.
Speculation then emerged in July last year that a motion for a no-confidence vote against him would be tabled during state assembly proceedings.
However, the motion failed to materialise and was dismissed as a mere rumour.
