MASJID TANAH: "There was no coercion from any party for me to resign," said out-going Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
Instead, he said the decision was made following his desire for the post to be handed over to someone who is more capable.
He said it was time for him to resign and realised his aim of only holding the post for one term.
"What is there more to comment? A statement has been issued by the state government and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Whatever they said is the fact.
"There is no coercion, it comes from my heart. I'm too tired, give other people the opportunity. That's all," said Sulaiman after presenting Ramadan aid for the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency.
Also present was Kuala Linggi assemblyman Rosli Abdullah.
Commenting further, Sulaiman said he had conveyed his intentions to resign to Zahid several times before but it was not entertained.
He hopes his successor would carry out the responsibility better.
"Everyone has his advantages, we must support and I hope whoever succeeds me would do the best for the people and state," said Sulaiman.
Earlier, Melaka state secretary Datuk Zaidi Johari confirmed that Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam had received Sulaiman's resignation letter this morning.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new chief minister will be held at 3pm tomorrow.