KUALA LUMPUR: "It is very heavy for me to leave the people of Selangor."
Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said this in a statement to inform of his decision to relinquish his post as Selangor Menteri Besar in order to take on the role of Economic Affairs Minister in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government.
Mohamed Azmin described his decision as answering the call of the nation, stating that he has a moral responsibility to serve race and country.
"I realise that I also have a huge responsibility to Malaysia and Malaysians, as a whole," he remarked.
On May 11, the PKR deputy president was sworn in as Selangor MB after PH managed to retain the state in the 14th General Election (GE14).
However, last week, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced Mohamed Azmin's name as the new Economic Affairs Minister leading to speculation on whether he will hold both posts, or give one up.
Yesterday, Mohamed Azmin had an audience with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at Istana Kayangan to discuss the matter.
In a statement earlier, Private Secretary to the Sultan of Selangor Datuk Mohammad Munir Bani said the Sultan of Selangor gave his blessing for Mohamed Azmin to accept the role of Economic Affairs Minister.
However, he will remain as Selangor MB for the time being until the Sultan consents to a candidate to replace him.
Mohamed Azmin in his statement thanked the Sultan of Selangor for the latter's advise and wisdom throughout his tenure as the state's MB, which had strengthened his confidence and made it possible for him to lift Selangor to greater heights.
"I would also like to thank Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for placing his confidence in me and appointing me to join his Cabinet as Economic Affairs Minister.
"I accept this trust and responsibility with a sense of awareness to implement economic reformation in order to save the country from crisis caused by the confusing policies of the previous administration," Mohamed Azmin said.
He informed that in a meeting with Dr Mahathir on May 19, the latter had detailed the jobscope, function and responsibilities of the Economic Affairs Ministry.
"To fulfill the rakyat's aspirations, I am committed to the efforts of building a strong and vibrant economy, creating value and job opportunities as well as increasing Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).
"I wish to assure domestic and foreign investors that this new government is business-friendly and investor-friendly while holding to the principles of transparency and accountability," he said.
He added that he is committed to drive the competitiveness of Malaysia's economy in order for the country to return as a primary player in this region's economic leadership.
"I am also determined to ensure there is social justice in which the country's wealth is distributed fairly and equally," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Azmin said he is touched by the support given by the people of Selangor, particularly those in the public service as well as the younger generation.
"Selangor is close to my heart. I am touched by the requests made openly through social media for me to continue helming Selangor. Believe me, I will continue to be with the people of Selangor as we continue to bring success, harmony and peace to the state," he added.