KUALA KANGSAR – New Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad will not make changes to the state’s budget for next year.
In his first press conference since taking his oath of office this morning, Saarani said the spending plan has been approved by excos in the previous state government.
“I don’t think we have the time to study or change any of the contents in the budget book that have been discussed with previous excos, including me.
“This means there will be no changes. It is only a formality. Inshaallah, we will pass this at the exco level, to be tabled at the state assembly.”
Saarani was sworn in about 11.20am at Istana Iskandariah here.
The Kota Tampan assemblyman told reporters that he has submitted to Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah five names for exco posts.
“Time is short, and an administration must be formed. Under the Perak constitution, this requires one menteri besar and four excos. So, this morning, I requested an audience and informed His Royal Highness that I would like to submit five names for his consent.
“I also asked that the swearing-in process be sped up, so that I can call my first exco meeting to study and table the budget next Wednesday.
“His Royal Highness has granted his consent, and the swearing-in ceremony for the five excos will be held at 2.30pm today.”
He declined to reveal the names of the five reps chosen.
On Umno’s reconciliation with its Perikatan Nasional allies, he said the presidents of the pact’s three parties have signed a cooperation agreement.
Saarani said he is ready to unite PN leaders in Perak, and that they will do their best to heal the wounds resulting from the state’s political crisis over the past week.
Asked how it feels to be menteri besar, he said it is not something to be “too happy” about, as a lot of responsibility is involved.
On Friday, Bersatu deputy president and Chenderiang assemblyman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu lost a confidence vote in the state assembly, leading to his resignation the next day. – The Vibes, December 10, 2020
