Don’t sensationalise Terengganu no-confidence issue, says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today described the motion of no confidence against the Terengganu menteri besar as a small issue that need not be sensationalised. He said he was confident the internal conflict in Terengganu could be resolved properly and effectively by the state Umno liaison committee. He added that he had contacted Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman and several state assemblymen to get a clearer picture. "With the efforts undertaken by all party members and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, I'm sure the issue will be resolved through a mechanism acceptable by all quarters," he said. Speaking to reporters after presenting the Home Ministry Excellent Service Award today, Zahid said the mechanism would be announced by Umno and BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor soon. Kijal assemblyman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, who is also former Terengganu menteri besar, had on Tuesday proposed a motion of no confidence against Ahmad before ending his debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address at the state assembly sitting. However, Speaker Datuk Mohd Zubir Embong rejected the motion. Ahmad, who was dropped as menteri besar midway into his second term, said there was a conspiracy to tarnish his image as a politician. On possible disciplinary action to be taken against Ahmad, the acting Umno deputy president said the matter would be discussed at the Umno Supreme Council meeting. On PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan's remarks that PAS would on March 16 announce the formation of a new opposition bloc that was multiracial and involved non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Zahid said, "It is a democratic practice and we celebrate the differences in their opinion and principles." According to Takiyuddin, more parties including NGOs would be joining the new pact to allow them to stand on par with Pakatan Harapan in facing the challenges at the next general election. – Bernama, March 10, 2016.]]>