'It's only speculation', says Rais on him being tipped as next Melaka CM

MELAKA: I only want a better future for Melaka and am not vying to be the next Chief Minister, says the Paya Rumput assemblyman.

Datuk Rais Yasin said it was just a speculation that he was among those tipped to be the next Chief Minister.

"I thank the locals for recognising me and hope the rumours about me being nominated as Chief Minister are stopped.

"All decisions (on new Melaka Chief Minister) are made by Barisan Nasional and Umno leadership," he said on Thursday (March 30).

Rais said he would continue working hard as a lawmaker and a state Exco.

"The position is immaterial to me and my intention is solely serving the people," he said.

Furthermore, he said Melaka Umno and state Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh was a "fatherly figure" to him.

"Datuk Seri (Ab Rauf) has been there with us through thick and thin.

"I have high respect for him (Ab Rauf)," he said.

Earlier, Rais was mentioned among the people tipped to be the next Melaka chief minister.

Rais, who was in his late 30s, recently became Melaka Umno deputy chief.

He also defeated incumbent Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad to be the Tangga Batu division chief in the Umno polls on March 19.

Rais was also currently the Melaka education, technology and telecommunications committee chairman.

Melaka Umno and state Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh was the other person tipped to be in the running for the chief minister post.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister was expected to be held on Friday (March 31) following the resignation of Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.