KUALA TERENGGANU: It was Datuk Ahmad Said's first visit to the state secretariat at Wisma Darul Iman since the general election and his first press conference as the menteri besar of Terengganu.

But he did not go directly to his office on the 16th floor. His first stop was the function room on the 18th floor, where he, state secretary Datuk Mokhtar Nong and heads of department performed the solat hajat, seeking blessings for a smooth transition, peace and prosperity.

He then went to the office of the local government and housing committee chairman - his previous executive council portfolio - which is also located on the 18th floor, and met with his former staff.

"I am here today to discuss and to attend a briefing by the state secretary on developments over the past two weeks," he said yesterday.

"Despite the controversy over my appointment, I am happy and I hope the transition is smooth and proper. My first order is to look into the appointment of executive councillors."



He said the state administration was functioning except for uncertainty over the implementation of new policies.

"We will proceed with policies that are benefiting the people and where necessary we will introduce new ones. We may introduce new approaches to implementing policies."

Ahmad said some of the 22 state assemblymen who had protested against his appointment were waiting for the right time to come out in the open to support him.

"I do not know when, but when the time comes, the problem will be solved," he added.

Asked for the date of the swearing-in ceremony, Ahmad said the menteri besar need not be sworn in, but the executive councillors had to be.

"We have not discussed the date for the swearing-in yet. Nevertheless, I accept this as a responsibility and as fate. I never asked for this job."

He said he had no problems with Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, the former menteri besar whom the 22 assemblymen had said they supported being re-appointed.

"We studied in the same school. When I met him recently, we shook hands. We are friends. I have no problems with him and, as such, there is no question of a power struggle.

"I only learnt of my appointment as menteri besar two days before receiving the letter of appointment from the Regency Advisory Council and I was asked to keep it a secret."

Asked why he was picked for the job, Ahmad said several names were recommended to the palace. He noted that among the divisional chiefs, only he and Idris contested for state seats.

"But, honestly, I do not know the reason. And, I do not know if it is proper to decline an offer by the Sultan. I leave it to you to make the assumptions about my appointment."

Asked if he had met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to explain his position, he said: "I have yet to be given the opportunity."

On whether the Monsoon Cup would be removed from the calendar of events in Terengganu, he said: "The Monsoon Cup is an international event and is the pride of the nation. We may make some changes but the event will continue."