SHAH ALAM, July 11 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has expressed the wish to continue helming the state government if the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition wins at the polls next month.
The Selangor Harapan chairman said his wish stems from wanting to implement the state’s various development plans for the sustainability of its economy and the well-being of its people.
“Although the plans involve teamwork, I believe I have a duty to complete and discharge the plans promised to the people, especially under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
“This wish is in line with my commitment to defend the Sungai Tua state seat in the upcoming elections, of which I am the incumbent now,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
The Gombak MP also refuted rumours of plans afoot to change his role from Menteri Besar to a Federal minister, after the state elections.
“There is a lot of talk out there…some saying I will be transferred to Federal, from Menteri Besar to Cabinet minister, but Selangor Harapan is keen to retain me as Menteri Besar.
“So far, there has been no plan to change my role in the discussions with Harapan chairman and Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim),” he said.
However, Amirudin added that as a party member, he will abide by any decisions of the party leadership.
The Menteri Besar has been the state assemblyman for Sungai Tua (previously known as the Batu Caves state constituency) since the 12th General Elections in 2018.
He was sworn in as Menteri Besar before the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj on June 19, 2018, after Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali relinquished the post to become the Minister of Economic Affairs.
Meanwhile, Amirudin also criticised Perikatan Nasional (PN), saying they did not have the courage to name a Menteri Besar candidate despite some of their leaders, including Mohamed Azmin, who is the Bukit Antarabangsa incumbent, aggressively portraying themselves as champions of Selangor’s residents.
This shows that PN has no confidence in the former Menteri Besar, even though its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had previously announced that Bersatu would take up the post if the coalition, which includes PAS and Gerakan, wins at the state polls.
“People are still guessing about who will be their Menteri Besar candidate.
“I know that PAS is also eyeing the position and their grassroots believe a PAS candidate would be better qualified,” he said.
Amirudin also appealed to the people to make a wise decision and vote for Harapan and BN in the upcoming elections, to ensure the continuity of the administration that has made Selangor the most economically and socially successful state, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic downturn.
The Election Commission announced that Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan will go to the polls on August 12, with nominations set for July 29 and early voting on August 8.
— Bernama
