Five Perak excos to take oaths of office today
Five state executive councillors (Exco) will take their oaths of office today in front of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah at Istana Iskandariah, here.
Without revealing the names of the elected Excos, newly-appointed Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the appointment must be done immediately to table and approve the state budget.
“We are running out of time and I presented the names to the Sultan of Perak this morning.
“To form the state government, we need a menteri besar and at least four Excos. For the first phase, I have presented five names.
The Kota Tampan assemblyman said this in a press conference at Dewan Jubli Perak here today.
Earlier, he was sworn in as the 14th Menteri Besar of Perak at Istana Iskandariah.
Saarani said that the Sultan approved the list of names and the swearing in would be held at 2.30pm also at Istana Iskandariah.
Asked if there would be changes in the state budget, Saarani said no changes would be made as he was involved in drafting the state budget during the previous state leadership.
“I was part of the team and I know the contents of the budget. I will not change the contents of the book (budget) and we will pass the budget at the Exco level then bring it to the state assembly sitting,” he said.
Asked on Sultan Nazrin’s speech at the swearing-in ceremony today, Saarani said he was touched when the Ruler mentioned the state leadership.
“It is clear that the Sultan is very concerned over the people’s welfare who are currently facing Covid-19 and he doesn’t want to see any political conflict that will bring more impact to them,” he said.
Earlier, Sultan Nazrin in his speech said a third swearing-in ceremony to install the Perak Menteri Besar just two years after the last general election is not something to be proud of.
In a strongly-worded speech, Sultan Nazrin took state politicians to task over the latest political conundrum, saying what happened only reflected the failure of leaders in ensuring support.
On being appointed as menteri besar, Saarani said he was grateful and at the same time realised he has a huge responsibility.
“This is a trust given and nothing to be proud of. I have a big responsibility and to deliver my duty diligently,” he said.
On Perak Umno’s relationship with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and PAS, Saarani said he is always ready to work together.
“When the top three party leaders signed the agreement to continue working together, we are ready to unite and heal every wound we have,” he added. Nst