Barisan Nasional (BN) still controls Terengganu despite the resignation of three UMNO assemblymen to effectively turn BN into a minority government in the state.

“BN still has the executive power and Menteri Besar,” according to UMNO legal advisor Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun.

Mohd Hafarizam said that unless the matter is taken to the Terengganu state legislative assembly for a vote of confidence, the newly minted Menteri Besar (MB) remains in charge.

“(Datuk Ahmad) Razif (Abd Rahman) is still the rightful MB,” he confirmed in a text message to Astro AWANI today.

He added said that any exit by UMNO or BN state assemblyman is only effective when the party sec-gen receives their respective letters. “Till to date, no letters received,” he said.

Mohd Hafarizam said that he was currently meeting Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin at his residence at Sri Satria, Putrajaya, together with UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor on the matter.

Yesterday, Ahmad Razif was sworn in as the new MB to replace Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had authorised Ahmad Said’s resignation letter, which the latter had signed before his reappointment for the second term, in an apparent agreement that he would only stay for a year.

In a dramatic turn of events, Ahmad Said, together with Ajil assemblyman Ghazali Taib quit UMNO to become independent representatives last night.

This morning, Bukit Besi assemblyman Roslee Daud, also quit.

The three defections to be independents have triggered a crisis in Terengganu state as it BN now has 14 seats in the assembly as opposed to 15 by Pakatan Rakyat in the 32-seat assembly.

Najib’s reason for replacing Ahmad Said was said to be due to Terengganu’s poor performance, despite winning the state, in the 13th General Election.