SULAIMAN Md Ali has insisted that he was not pressured by any party to step down as the Malacca chief minister.

“It was urged by my heart… my instinct,” he said after presenting donations to the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the Ramadan month at the Kuala Linggi Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee Complex today.

He also said there was no agreement or offer to make him a senator, adding that his resignation was due to health issues.

“I want to take care of my state constituency (Lendu) and get back to my normal life. I did say before that one term (as chief minister) is enough (for me),” he said.

Sulaiman said he hopes that all parties will support his successor because each person has their own strengths.

It was reported earlier today that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had proposed Tanjung Bidara assemblyman and Malacca Umno Liaison Committee chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh as a candidate for the chief minister post.

Meanwhile, state secretary Zaidi Johari was quoted as saying that the ceremony to present the letter of appointment, and the taking of the oath of office, loyalty and secrecy for the 13th chief minister is scheduled to be held at 3pm tomorrow at the Dewan Seri Utama in the Malacca governor’s office. – Bernama, March 30, 2023.