Politics

Umno leader tipped to be new Melaka Chief Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Lendu state assemblyman Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali is expected to be sworn in as Melaka's 12th Chief Minister today.

The 55-year-old, who is the Umno state liaison committee secretary, is said to have been picked to helm the state by 15 Perikatan Nasional state assemblymen.

Sulaiman’s possible appointment will end the state's political turmoil following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government at both the federal and state levels.

It is learnt that the oath-taking ceremony will be held at 3.30pm at Dewan Seri Utama at the office of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri in Ayer Keroh.

A news portal reported that Sulaiman was recently contacted by Istana Melaka, which informed him that he will be appointed to the position.

However, the Melaka state Secretary’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Sulaiman, who boasts vast political experience, was once Melaka Umno secretary and is the current Masjid Tanah Umno division secretary.

The swearing-in ceremony was initially scheduled to take place last Friday, but was unexpectedly postponed to today.

Melaka state Secretary Datuk Seri Hasim Hasan did not state the reason for the postponement in a statement issued on Thursday evening.

The ceremony is being held after Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob received representations which led him to determine that Chief Minister Adly Zahari no longer commands the confidence of the majority of the state assembly, and could therefore not retain his position.

Adly is the Bukit Katil state assemblyman. He represents Parti Amanah Negara.

Khalil rejected Adly’s call for a state snap election and decided that another assemblyman be appointed as Chief Minister.

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