KUALA LUMPUR – Melaka will abide by the call from Umno leadership to form a unity government at state level, said newly sworn-in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
After his oath-taking today, Rauf told a press conference that the state government would be a unity one – in line with the arrangement at federal level.
“I am confident that with the cooperation of political parties that formed the federal-level unity government, we will see it being formed in Melaka as well, as emphasised by the president,” he told reporters at a press conference after his swearing-in ceremony today, referring to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Rauf replaces former chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, whose exco line-up was dissolved automatically following his resignation two days ago.
Asked if there would be any changes to the state executive council line-up, Rauf, who is Tg Bidara assemblyman, said to wait another 48 hours while he sought guidance from Umno leadership.
Asked whether it will include members from Pakatan Harapan, Rauf reiterated that he had yet to receive guidance from Umno leaders.
“I will consult Zahid to draft the unity government-based line-up,” he said.
In jest, Rauf, who is also Melaka Umno liaison chief, asked people to be patient as he “just took the oath less than 10 minutes ago”.
Rauf added that his plan for Melaka is to make it a business- and investor-friendly state, in accordance with the state government’s pro-business and pro-reform stance.
He also aims to improve the state’s public works and healthcare systems, as well as improving existing policies to ensure better governance. – The Vibes, March 31, 2023
