IDRIS SUPPORTER TO FORCE BY-ELECTION IN TERENGGANU

The by-election might happen in Terengganu if the crisis of Menteri Besar can’t be solved politically.

The palace announced the surprise appointment of Datuk Ahmad Said, 51, as Menteri Besar yesterday as all but two of the Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the state declared their support for incumbent and prime minister-backed Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh. It is the sultan’s prerogative to appoint Ahmad to the post.

It is a new record in Malaysia that a state took 14 days to appoint a Menteri Besar after the general election. Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail earlier pointed out the appointment of the Menteri Besar had to be in accordance with the laws of the state, which held that the person must be a member of the state legislature who, in the opinion of the Regent and Regency Advisory Council, commanded majority support.

In a joint declaration, the 22 pledged to stay away from the palace ceremony and some said they were willing to vacate their seats to force by-elections if Idris was not appointed.

The office of the Sultan of Terengganu said the swearing-in was to take place at the Istana Tamu at 8am tomorrow morning, which the 22 newly elected assemblymen told a press conference they would not attend.