IPOH: Following Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu's failure to garner the support needed in the state assembly, speculation is now rife as to who will be the next Perak Menteri Besar.
Ahmad Faizal only managed to get the support of 10 out of 59 assemblymen in the assembly when a motion of confidence was moved, while there was one spoiled vote.
The motion was raised by Pengkalan Baharu assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Manaf Hashim, and supported by Temenggor assemblyman, Salbiah Mohamad and Pasir Pinji assemblyman, Howard Lee Chuan How.
Among others, the motion revealed just how fragile the Perak Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition was when its allies failed to rally support for Ahmad Faizal, who is also the Chenderiang assemblyman.
A source revealed that those who supported the motion were Datuk Aznel Ibrahim (BN-Pengkalan Hulu); Razman Zakaria (PAS - Gunung Semanggol); Mohd Akmal Kamarudin (PAS- Selama) and Khalill Yahya (PAS-Kubu Gajah).
Others include Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin (Bersatu-Sungai Manik); Datuk Abdul Yunus Jamhari (Bersatu-Kuala Kurau); Hasnul Zulkarnain Abdul Munaim (Bersatu-Titi Serong); Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Munaim (Bersatu-Tualang Sekah); Paul Yong Choo Kiong (Independent-Tronoh) and A. Sivasubramaniam (Gerakan-Buntong).
The Perak PN coalition comprises 25 Umno assemblymen, five assemblymen from Bersatu and three from Pas, and also further supported by one from Gerakan and an Independent.
The Opposition, meanwhile, is led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) with of 16 DAP assemblymen, five Amanah and three from PKR.
Following his failure to secure a simple majority, Ahmad Faizal must now step down as Perak Menteri Besar.
Speculations are that his successor would be a choice between Rungkup assemblyman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya and Kota Tampan assemblyman Datuk Saarani Mohamad who is also Perak Umno chairman.
These two are rumoured to be the front runners following discussions among party members.
Perak Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary, Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin revealed that 15 Umno assemblymen had since signed statutory declarations (SD) to support Saarani to become the menteri besar.
Zainol Fadzi said the new Perak Menteri Besar candidate was no longer a secret as BN would name Saarani to represent the coalition.
"After the motion was debated, there were several Umno assemblymen who had contacted Bersatu assemblymen and the Independent to reject the motion of confidence.
"Everyone has signed the SD. Umno assemblymen have signed the SD to make Saarani the next menteri besar. It is no longer a secret. They met each other two or three days ago and 15 assemblymen have since signed the SD.
"We only know this much. Also, we are certain Ahmad Faizal will not resort to calling up assemblymen for support.
"He (Ahmad Faizal) feels it is best to let the people judge. He does not want to burden the rakyat," he said when met today.
Meanwhile, Shahrul who is also state Corridor Development, Investment and Industry committee chairman is a friendly person and close to the people.
According to another source, Shahrul has a good relationship with Umno presiden, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is the biggest influence in the party.
"Shahrul is Rungkup assemblyman, while Datuk Zahid is Bagan Datuk member of parliament. Shahrul is always seen at Zahid's functions when he returns to his hometown.
"Shahrul is also a favourite representative among the Chinese and Indian community. He also has the criteria to become the next menteri besar," said the source.
The state assembly sitting was supposed to be held for five days from today, which was to see the presentation of the state Budget 2021 before the meeting continue next Wednesday.