ARAU: The Perlis Menteri Besar crisis appears to have entered a new phase, with Barisan Nasional acting chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi being granted an audience by Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail at Istana Arau, on Tuesday.
With Zahid was Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who is performing the duties of Umno deputy president.
Zahid and Hishammuddin were seen in the Istana Arau’s ‘Blue Room’ before they were granted an audience with Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin around 11.55am.
It is understood that the two Umno leaders were meeting Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin to discuss the crisis surrounding the role of the state’s Menteri Besar, now in its 13th day.
Both left Istana Arau at 1.15pm after spending an hour in the presence of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.
Zahid, when met, declined to field any questions from reporters. He and Hishammuddin merely waved and said thanks.
Meanwhile, sources claimed that Datuk Seri Azlan Man, who is the former Menteri Besar, will hang on to the post. However, this has yet to be verified at press time.
Kangar Umno division deputy chief, Datuk Azam Rashid was seen in the palace, lending strength to rumours that Azlan, who is also Kangar Umno division chief, will helm the state as its MB.
The crisis surrounding the MB post began when Perlis BN chairman, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim proposed that the Tambun Tulang assemblyman Datuk Ismail Kassim, who is also his brother, should be the new MB.
Shahidan’s deputy, Azlan, who is Bintong assemblyman, said he was not aware of the matter.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin subsequently summoned 10 BN elected representatives for an audience.