GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has dismissed claims suggesting a change in the position of Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who is currently on a short break.
Chow said the matter has neither been raised nor discussed.
"On speculation that there will be a change in the post he is currently holding, it was never discussed before this," he said today.
He added that Jagdeep had met with him last Friday to apply for leave.
"He (Jagdeep) explained that the purpose of his leave application is to undergo health checks and possibly a procedure on his left leg, which needs immediate specialist attention.
"After considering his explanation, I approved his leave application for 11 days, from yesterday until Aug 5.
"I was also informed that he began receiving treatment yesterday."
Chow said he and his administration wished Jagdeep well and hoped for his swift recovery.
"We hope that he will return soon to continue with the state's development agenda for the betterment of the people," he added.
Yesterday, Jagdeep told the New Straits Times that he was on a short break for medical reasons and that he would return to work soon.
He also dismissed claims that he was taking a step back from official duties amid talk that he was on garden leave.
He said he did not know where the talk about him going on garden leave came from