PKR is firm that the menteri besar posts in Selangor and Negri Sembilan stay with the party after the state elections, a high-level party leader said.  

The source said the party would not compromise on its stance pertaining to this matter, especially in the two states it currently led. 

“Regardless of the working relationship with Barisan Nasional (BN) at the federal level, and now at the state level, the MB positions of these two states are to be helmed by those from PKR,” the source, who wanted to remain anonymous, told The Malaysian Insight. 

PKR has held Selangor for 15 years now while the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition captured BN’s stronghold Negri Sembilan in the 2018 general election.  

The state elections are expected to be called as early as June, with all six states agreeing to the dissolution of the respective state assemblies.  

The six states are Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Both PH and BN have cooperated in Perak and Pahang to form the state governments. Both states are helmed by assemblymen from BN.  

Recently, Malacca also witnessed a leadership change, where it adopted a unity government approach by appointing one PH assemblyman as an executive councillor and two as deputy excos.  

Meanwhile, the source also said it was highly likely that Amirudin Shari and Aminuddin Harun would be retained as menteri besar in Selangor and Negri Sembilan respectively if they successfully defended their seats and gained a majority.  

“There is some lobbying by certain quarters to have their names included as the next MB for these states.  

“Amirudin and Aminuddin are most likely to be retained if they are successful (in winning their seat). They have a good track record in their respective states although it has just been one term,” the source said.  

The source also asserted that both Amirudin and Aminuddin were supported on the ground and their leadership skills were appreciated by people in those states.  

Nevertheless, the source said the final decision would be made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman.  

Amirudin had earlier stated his intention to run for a second term.  

Both Amirudin and Aminuddin are now MPs.  

Amirudin, who made his debut at the federal level, defeated former ally and political mentor Mohamed Azmin Ali in Gombak in the last general election.  

Aminuddin, who also contested for the first time in the November 19 polls, won the Port Dickson constituency previously held by Anwar. 

Both of them were not given ministerial posts. – April 20, 2023.