IPOH: There is no plot to bring down the current Perak government, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
Dispelling such talk, the Perak Mentri Besar said there were 59 state seats, and those hoping to “take over” the state government must clearly prove to the Ruler that they had 30 seats in their hands.
He said Perikatan Nasional had 26 seats, while the unity state government had 33 seats.
“So the Opposition will require four more seats if they indeed wanted to become the state government.
“The four seats, where are they going to come from with the anti-hopping law in place?
“Once any assemblymen jumps over to another party, that particular seat will automatically be declared vacant by the state assembly Speaker, and by-elections will be carried out,” he told a press conference after launching the sale of a single-storey housing project by MK Land in Meru Perdana 2 here Saturday (May 6).
Saarani added that with the seats falling vacant, the current government would definitely put candidates to contest, and when their candidates win, they are back to being the state government again.
“So who will carry out such 'kerja bodoh (senseless work)'?
"Even if there are any four assemblymen from the current government thinking of any offers, they better think again.
“Because, once you jump ship, you will not be able to contest the seat again for the same party.
“As an assemblyman, you are getting RM11,000 in monthly allowances, and if you make a move to jump, you will be left jobless, so what sort of politics is that?” he asked.
Saarani said assemblymen must be clever, and not easily deceived.
However, Saarani said he was confident that no one from their side was going anywhere.
“When the talk started making its rounds last week, I checked with the Pakatan Harapan assemblymen, and they told me not even one of them had shown any signs of leaving.
“Barisan has nine assemblymen, and four are holding important portfolios. With me being the MB, and three others are executive council members.
“So I checked with the remaining five if they are planning to 'run', and they said no one was thinking of doing so,” he said.
Saarani added that in Perak, he was sure such a thing would not happen.
“The people must not be worried because the state government will remain until its term ends,” he added.
