IN a bizarre farewell today, Ahmad Faizal Azumu thanked his former Pakatan Harapan colleagues after he was voted out as Perak menteri besar.

“I wish to thank all my ex-colleagues from PH. I miss you guys sometimes, actually… Seriously, and the current executive councillors,” said the Chenderiang assemblyman at the Perak assembly this morning.

“Thank you for deciding on the motion put up by Pengkalan Baharu (Umno assemblyman Abdul Mana Hashim)

“I accept this decision humbly and I hope that this political issue will not be prolonged in light of the economic and Covid-19 problems we are facing,” said the Bersatu deputy president.

Faizal was addressing the assembly after losing the confidence vote 48 to 10 with one spoilt vote this morning.

The confidence motion was moved by Umno assemblyman Abdul Manaf last month.

But Faizal, who is also the Tambun MP, said he will ensure a smooth transition to the new government.

“I wish to give my commitment to ensure a smooth transition to the new government. I hope the new government will continue to support the efforts started by PH such as the one for women initiatives, which will be realised next year.”

Faisal was appointed as Perak MB after PH won the state in 2018. Although Bersatu had the fewest assemblymen, PH decided to appoint him due to the power sharing agreement it had with Bersatu.

Following the collapse of PH at the federal level in February, Faisal resigned as the Pakatan MB to form a new state government with Barisan Nasional and PAS.

Despite Bersatu having just five assemblymen to Umno’s 25 and PAS’ three, Faizal was reappointed in March after PN took over the state.

The PN government is currently supported by eight PN assemblymen and 25 from BN, and also has support from one Gerakan assemblyman and one independent in the 59-seat state assembly.

The opposition in Perak is made up of 24 assemblymen in PH – DAP (16), Amanah (five) and PKR (three). – December 4, 2020.