AHMAD Yakob will not be retained as Kelantan menteri besar if PAS/Perikatan Nasional retains the state, because of his health issues, said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

He denied talk the decision to replace Ahmad was a political manoeuvre to meet Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional’s challenge.

“Ahmad Yakob is stepping aside due to health reasons. In the past, he pleaded for us to appoint someone else, but we asked him to continue.

“Even in the middle of his term, he insisted on a replacement due to his poor health.

“He has sought medical treatment so many times, so this time, we gave in to his request,” he told reporters after casting his vote in Terengganu.

Yesterday, PAS said there will be a new Kelantan leader, subject to the mandate of the people and the approval of the state sultan.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said Ahmad and his deputy Nik Amar Nik Abdullah would be replaced. He did not say why.

Takiyuddin said the new menteri besar will be a religious figure, while the deputy will be a technocrat.

The Islamist party however said it will retain the menteris besar of Terengganu and Kedah. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is caretaker Terengganu leader while Kedah is led by Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. – August 12, 2023.