Tensions between two political factions has led to yet another state minister being sworn in for Perak this morning, a development which the king has denounced as being a “reflection of failure” in leadership.
Saarani Mohamad was sworn in as Perak’s new state minister at 11am at the Iskandariah Palace in Kuala Kangsar, taking over Ahmad Faizal Azumu from a rival political party. Saarani was the latest of a string of new ministers that had been appointed in the state since the 14th General Election was held in 2018.
“This (change in leadership) is not something to be proud of. What happened will be recorded as a reflection of failure, instead of success,” Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said in his closing speech after Saarani, 59, recited his oath. “A good leader does not need to bribe others or make threats to gain support.”
Saarani, who also represented Kota Tampan, was from the ruling’s United Malays National Organization (UMNO) while Ahmad, who represented Chenderiang, was from the opposition’s Bersatu party. Perak was considered to be an UMNO stronghold.
Ahmad garnered only 10 out 59 votes from the Perak state legislative assembly last week after a no-confidence motion was filed against him in parliament. Ahmad and two other state ministers before him were appointed through elections.
UMNO, which is led by Najib Razak’s associate Zahid Hamidi, is part of the National Alliance government. Bersatu is part of the Alliance of Hope coalition led by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
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