BARISAN Nasional (BN) Pahang reached an agreement to form the state government with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as the coalition is capable of bringing stability as well as reflecting plurality, the strength of the state, according to Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Wan Rosdy said the formation of the state government should be in line with the formation of the federal government to ensure that administration and planning for the state’s development proceed smoothly.

“Through this new collaboration, a new exco from BN and PH blocs will be established soon,” he said at his first press conference since retaking the oath of office.

In the election, BN won 16 assembly seats, six shy of a simple majority and one less than Perikatan Nasional (PN). Meanwhile, PH won eight seats.

The Tioman seat remains undecided with polling due on December 7, following the death of PN candidate Md Yunus Ramli, 61.

Wan Rosdy said the talks with PH went well, although some requests were made when ‘stretching out a hand to form the state government’.

He said he hopes PN will be an opposition which is firm, objective and able to carry out the proper check and balance.

Wan Rosdy said the next step is the implementation of the state budget, which was approved on October 13, the day before the assembly was dissolved.

“I will ensure that all political sentiments and ideological differences are put aside, and the only thing that is the priority of all parties at this point is the stability and prosperity of the state,” he said.

The state government, also according to Wan Rosdy, is aware that it has a big responsibility that needs to be fulfilled with ideas, energy and best efforts for the well-being of the people, in addition to ensuring that Pahang becomes a stable, prosperous and harmonious state.

Considering the current situation, Wan Rosdy also described it as a good development for BN in the Tioman clash, if PH drops out, but the matter has not yet been officially discussed.

There are five candidates: Mohd Johari Hussain (BN), Mohd Fadzli Mohd Ramly (PH), Nor Idayu Hashim (PN), Osman A. Bakar (GTA) and Sulaiman Bakar (Independent). – Bernama, November 28, 2022.