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Sunday, April 02, 2023

Don’t be a hero, says Rauf after Jailani swipe


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Don’t be a hero, says Rauf after Jailani swipe


The new Melaka chief minister dismisses criticism by assemblyman Jailani Khamis about his appointment to the post.



Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh (left), whose appointment was criticised by assemblyman Jailani Khamis, said assembly members should focus on state matters.


PETALING JAYA: Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh has dismissed criticism about his appointment from his Umno colleague, Rembia assemblyman Jailani Khamis, by calling for a focus on the state instead of quarrelling among one another.

Rauf said assemblymen in the government bloc should shift their focus towards revamping Melaka and steering it towards a progressive path.

“We cannot become the hero in any issue. We want to bring about changes, in any form. We want to improve the welfare of the people and help them to be more progressive,” he said, Bernama reported.

Jailani, a former executive councillor, had said on Friday he did not support Rauf’s appointment as chief minister.

He accused Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno of breaking its pledge during the 2021 state election, that Sulaiman Ali would remain as chief minister until the end of his term.

Jailani had previously said, amid speculation last week about Sulaiman’s ouster, that a “backdoor chief minister” would be appointed to replace him.

Rauf took office as chief minister on Friday after Sulaiman resigned.

Speaking to reporters today, he said the new lineup of executive councillors would be “appealing and attractive” and reflect the unity between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH), as in the federal coalition government.

“We will promote fairness in the formation (of the state government. I will announce the new exco lineup soon,” he said, describing the lineup as more inclusive.

The Melaka Umno chief reportedly said he envisioned PH assemblymen being a part of his state administration, describing it as being more inclusive.

Rauf also said the executive councillors will be announced once the list of names has been approved by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“Never mind, we will wait. Even if it’s a little late, we still have injury time,” he quipped.


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