MELAKA – Although Barisan Nasional (BN) had announced that it would retain Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali as Melaka chief minister should the coalition win in the state polls, it is improbable that he will be the one calling the shots, claimed Adly Zahari.
Speaking to The Vibes in an exclusive interview, the former chief minister asserted that Sulaiman would be back to his old ways – taking orders from others, especially from state Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
“Despite using strategies like naming others (as chief minister), we know that it is still a problem in Melaka,” said Adly, who is Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) chief ministerial choice.
“Umno will not be able to escape this problem and the coalition is unable to provide a clear decision to the people of Melaka. We know that there is friction within the party because of that.
“What is most concerning is that if BN is given the mandate, the problem will keep recurring.”
Rauf was also the state speaker prior to the assembly’s dissolution and has held multiple other posts in the party previously.
The Umno strongman will be making his political debut in this election, taking on his former protégé Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin in the Tg Bidara seat. Mas Ermieyati is now in Bersatu, one of the more recognisable names representing the party in Melaka.
Elaborating on the matter, Adly said that the situation would continue or even worsen, as Rauf would pick back up on pulling Umno’s strings in the state.
Adly, who is contesting the Bukit Katil seat in the election on Saturday, expressed concern that the party’s culture of warlords will see no end, possibly causing chaos and instability in the state.
“Although Umno has given its views on the chief minister candidate, who is not a leader in the party, it would still be part of its warlord culture polemic.
“In developed countries, leadership is a clear-cut matter. They cannot give results that are different from what is initially portrayed.
“In the end, the people will suffer. It will make it difficult for them in the future,” he said.
PH chief minister candidate not set in stone
Commenting on his chief minister candidacy, he clarified that it is not set in stone, despite his name being touted as PH’s choice for the position.
Adly said that those who hope to take the top post must first adhere to three criteria.
“The said candidate must first win the state seat and be the assemblyman. Secondly, his or her coalition must garner the majority – PH must obtain 15 of the 28 seats up for grabs.
“Thirdly, the appointment of the chief minister is at the discretion of the governor (Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam). He will determine who has the majority’s support for the said candidate to be appointed as chief minister,” he explained.
The Amanah man, who led the state for 22 months from May 2018 to March 2020, admitted that PH’s collective decision to name him for the chief minister’s post would give him an edge against his challengers in Bukit Katil.
“We won Bukit Katil in the previous election and governed the state for 22 months. As for myself, I began working the ground in Bukit Katil three years ago.
“I think PH’s decision would give me an advantage in Bukit Katil as well this time.”
In the 14th general election, Adly won Bukit Katil with a majority of 3,159 votes. This time around, the incumbent will be facing a four-way fight in his bid to defend the seat.
He will be challenged by BN’s Datuk Hasnoor Sdg Husin, Perikatan Nasional’s Muhammad Al Afiz Yahya, and independent Abdul Hamid Mustapah.
On October 4, the state assembly was dissolved after four assemblymen withdrew their support for Sulaiman.
The Election Commission has fixed this Saturday for voting, with early voting yesterday. Nominations were held on November 8. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
