UMNO wants PN gov't retained in Perak, Saarani proposed as MB

KUALA LUMPUR:The UMNO Supreme Council special meeting held tonight has come to the conclusion that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government in Perak involving UMNO, PAS and Bersatu assemblymen should be upheld.

The meeting, chaired by UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also unanimously agreed to nominate Kota Tampan Assemblyman, Datuk Saarani Mohamad for Menteri Besar.

Asked whether Saarani, the Perak UMNO Liaison chairman, was agreed upon as the party’s candidate for Menteri Besar, Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Zahidi Zainul Abidin replied: “Yes, unanimously.”

Zahid is scheduled to have an audience with the Sultan of Perak tomorrow morning to present Saarani’s name.

Meanwhile, UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan in a media statement after the meeting which lasted about an hour at Menara Dato’ Onn here, said the special meeting decided that the UMNO General Assembly would be held on Jan 31, 2021, at the Putra World Trade Centre with limited in-person attendance, and the rest joining in virtually.

He said the general assembly for the Women, Youth and Puteri wings would take place on Jan 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, the respective UMNO Division, Wanita, Youth and Puteri delegates meetings would be held from Jan 1-3, 2021.

"It will be held simultaneously in 191 Divisions and will be officiated by the respective UMNO Division chiefs.

"For CMCO and EMCO areas, it can be held virtually. The quorum for the meetings is a quarter of the total number of delegates entitled to attend," he said.