KLANG – Newly-minted Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has taken a swipe at rumour mongers who speculated about his appointment to the position.
With a touch of humour, he reassured those who had been making speculations on his future, saying: “No need to worry, I’ve (officially) become the menteri besar.”
He made this comment shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, which took place earlier today at Istana Alam Shah in Klang, in the presence of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
This playful remark follows the sultan’s consideration of three potential candidates for the position, prior to Amirudin’s eventual appointment for a second term.
Amirudin then took a moment to remind those who had taken an interest in his appointment, but were not directly involved in the process, to put any lingering concerns to rest.
“The ones who might be concerned (about the Selangor MB selection) are those not directly involved, but even more so, I assure you there’s no need to worry. I am now the menteri besar,” he told reporters this afternoon.
“Alhamdulillah, I have a clear understanding of the situation, and it is our duty to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to us.”
Amirudin also provided insight into the rumours surrounding the menteri besar appointment, stressing the importance of allowing ample time and space for the sultan to decide on the matter upon his return from London, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
“Having explained certain aspects and processes, there might be individuals fueling speculations and such. Three days after the state elections, Tuanku (His Highness the) Sultan returned from London, following which the prime minister sent a letter to Tuanku.
“Wednesday saw the presentation of three names, one of which was mine. The confirmation from His Highness the Sultan arrived on Thursday, bestowing upon me the role of menteri besar. This was followed by discussions regarding the list of executive council members who will take their oaths today.
“Why did it unfold this way? It was simply necessary to allow Tuanku time and space after his London journey and his subsequent medical procedure. Alhamdulillah, everything proceeded smoothly,” he elaborated.
Prior to Amirudin’s confirmation, two other names emerged as potential menteri besar candidates – Seri Setia assemblyman Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, and Tanjong Sepat rep Borhan Aman Shah.
At 38 years old, he was the youngest menteri besar in Selangor history when he assumed office in 2018. Amirudin has also represented the Sungai Tua constituency since 2008 and has held numerous executive council posts since.
In the recent state polls on August 12, Amirudin emerged victorious with a total of 19,678 votes, surpassing Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate, Hanif Jamaluddin, and Independent candidate Suman Gopal. – August 21, 2023