SELANGOR caretaker Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has expressed his wish to continue helming the state government if the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) pact wins the elections next month.

The Selangor PH chairman said his wish stems from wanting to implement the state’s various development plans for the sustainability of its economy and the well-being of its people.

“Although the plans involve teamwork, I believe I have a duty to complete and discharge the plans promised to the people, especially under the First Selangor Plan,” he said.

“This wish is in line with my commitment to defend the Sungai Tua seat in the elections.”

Amirudin, who is also Gombak MP, refuted rumours that plans are afoot to change his role from that of menteri besar to a federal minister after the August 12 polls.

“There is a lot of talk out there… some saying I will be transferred to federal, from menteri besar to cabinet minister, but Selangor PH is keen to retain me as menteri besar,” he said.

“So far, there has been no plan to change my role in the discussions with the PH chairman and prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim),” he said, adding that, however, being a party member, he would abide by any decision of the party leadership.

Amiruddin has been the assemblyman for Sungai Dua (previously known as the Batu Caves constituency) since the 2018 general election.

He was sworn in as menteri besar before the Selangor sultan on June 19, 2018, after Mohamed Azmin Ali relinquished the post to become economic affairs minister.

Amirudin also criticised Perikatan Nasional (PN), saying it did not have the courage to name a menteri besar candidate despite some of its leaders, including Azmin, who is the Bukit Antarabangsa incumbent, aggressively portraying the coalition as a champion of the Selangor people.

He said this showed that PN has no confidence in the former menteri besar, even though its chairman, Muhyiddin Yassin, had previously announced that Bersatu would take up the post if the coalition, which includes PAS and Gerakan, wins the elections.

“People are still guessing who will be its menteri besar candidate,: he said.

“I know that PAS is also eyeing the position and its grassroots believe a PAS candidate would be better qualified.”

Amirudin appealed to the people to make a wise decision in the elections to ensure the continuity of the administration that has made Selangor the most economically and socially successful state, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic downturn. – Bernama, July 11, 2023.