New MB Ahmad starts work
Malaysiakini.com
Mar 25, 2008

Kijal assemblyperson Ahmad Said this morning assumed his post as the state’s new menteri besar and assured everyone that he would continue the good work of his predecessor Idris Jusoh. MCPX

He punched in to work at 8am at the MB's office in Wisma Darul Iman in Kuala Terengganu in the presence of his supporters who had gathered since early morning. There was also a heavy police presence.

"It would have been difficult not to accept the position of Terengganu menteri besar as I had been selected by the palace," Ahmad later told reporters.

He also hoped that the 22 BN state assemblypersons who had backed Idris for the post would "cool down soon" and be part of his exco members.

It is reliably learnt that about 13 of the state representatives are now backing Ahmad.

ahmad said terengganu mb istanaAhmad also said that there was no rush for him to be sworn in before the Terengganu sultan to assume the post. He had earlier received his appointment letter from the Regency Advisory Council on Sunday.

Ahmad added that his swearing-in can take place later as soon as the crisis over his appointment has be solved. He said the first task was to swear-in the state exco’s so that the new state government can function.

He urged all Umno members in the state to back him and lend him their support.  

“I understand the confusion that has arisen from my appointment and that many state assemblymen are against it. However, the council has appointed me, and I will abide by its decision,” he said, adding that he was not a traitor nor defiant to the party.  

Facing the sack from party

He also hoped that the party would not sack him for assuming the MB post.

“I hope they will think (about it) and be patient. I am also an Umno member through and through.”

Ahmad also revealed that not all of the assemblypersons were against him, adding that he also had the support from the rakyat.  

“Ask the people here if they agree with my appointment. I’m sure you’ll find that a majority of them are behind me,” he said.

The crisis over the MB post started when the Terengganu palace rejected Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s choice of Idris to continue to lead the state. Instead the palace suggested Ahmad and accordingly appointed him on Sunday.

The Idris-led BN government won 24 out of 32 state seats in the last general election. PAS won the remaining eight.

Twenty-two of the BN representatives initially said that they backed Idris for the post and the state Umno threatened to sack Ahmad if he assumed the post.

The party’s disciplinary committee is expected to meet on Thursday to discuss the matter.

PM to meet king

In Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Abdullah said that he would be seeking an audience with the Yang DiPertuan Agong, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.

"The matter needs to be resolved as soon as possible," he said.

Meanwhile an official from the Terengganu palace said that Ahmad’s swearing-in ceremony would be made together with his exco members.

Comptroller of the Terengganu Royal Household Mohd Yasim Awang was reported to have said this in Malay daily Utusan Malaysia.

He also said that a date will be fixed soon for the swearing-in ceremony.

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