Umno’s about-turn in Perak no surprise, says Pakatan

IPOH – Pakatan Harapan leaders in Perak are not surprised by Umno’s decision to form a state government with its Perikatan Nasional allies despite earlier overtures to politically realign itself.

State PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak told The Vibes that PH leaders did not have expectations of being part of the Perak administration in the first place when they helped oust Chenderiang assemblyman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu as menteri besar on Friday.

“You see, there were no expectations when we removed Peja (Faizal). We did it for the sake of the rakyat. And then, you know, we extended our offer following His Royal Highness’ statement that he wants a strong and stable (state) government.

“So, the ball was in Umno’s court. There were no expectations on our end. We are not surprised by this.”

Meanwhile, Perak Amanah chief Asmuni Awi said it is Umno’s right to form a state government with whichever party it chooses.

The Manjoi assemblyman is not too fazed by the turn of events.

“It’s all right. That’s their right because they have the majority.”

Today, Bernama reported state DAP chief Nga Kor Ming as saying the party’s decision to cooperate with Umno at the state level is to form a clean, strong and solid multiracial government.

The Aulong rep said his party’s willingness to set aside its differences with its traditional nemesis has proven two things.

“DAP is a big-hearted party that is willing to make the people’s well-being its main agenda, and the allegation that DAP is ‘anti-Malay’ or ‘anti-Islam’ all this time is not true at all.”

At Istana Kinta earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and front-runner menteri besar candidate Datuk Saarani Mohamad had an audience with Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah to submit their party’s list of menteri besar candidates.

Zahid has confirmed to the press that Umno has more than the simple majority needed to form the state government.

He said Perak will remain a PN state with PAS and Bersatu, but did not disclose Umno’s menteri besar candidates, saying it is the ruler’s right to announce the said candidates.

Assemblymen and party leaders statewide have been summoned to Istana Kinta to declare their endorsement of, or opposition to, an Umno-led state administration.

Bersatu’s Titi Serong assemblyman, Hasnul Zulkarnain Abdul Munaim, is expected to have an audience with Sultan Nazrin at 2.45pm, followed by PAS representatives.

Perak PH leaders have confirmed that they have been notified by palace officials, and are on standby for their audience with the ruler.

Dewan Negara Perak member Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini told the media that the swearing-in ceremony will only take place once Sultan Nazrin is convinced of Umno’s majority in the state assembly. – The Vibes, December 8, 2020