It is Sultan's prerogative in appointing Exco - Saarani

IPOH: The appointment of members of the Perak State Executive Council (Exco), including from PAS, will only be finalised by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said he can only propose the name of the Exco members deemed appropriate but they are subject to the consent of the Ruler.

"Insya-Allah, five other Exco positions will be filled when the time comes. We will complete it as before. When the time comes, the appointments will be made.

"However, it should be remembered that the Menteri Besar can only propose the names of the Exco, the absolute right to approve the proposal and appointment of the Exco belongs to Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan," he said at a press conference after starting his first day of duty at his office at Perak Darul Ridzuan Building, here, today.

Saarani did not rule out the possibility of making modifications and improvements to the Exco portfolio, based on current needs.

According to him, a review will be made because, based on the past nine months, there may be weaknesses that need to be fixed.

Yesterday, the appointment ceremony of five Exco members was held after the swearing-in of the Menteri Besar at Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar, without involving PAS representatives.

Four of them were from UMNO and one from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

Earlier today, a letter signed by PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, seeking to have an audience with the Sultan of Perak to inform His Highness on the party's position in relation to the state's political crisis, went viral on social media.

Meanwhile, Perak PAS Commissioner Razman Zakaria was reported to have said yesterday that he was confident the party would not be left behind in the formation of a new State Exco.

It was based on the belief that the spirit of camaraderie and ummah unification between PAS and UMNO will continue to remain.

However, he said, Perak PAS will abide by any decision if it is not appointed as a member of the Exco line-up under the leadership of Saarani.

He said the credibility factor of elected representatives picked is more important.