>> ASIAONE / NEWS / THE STRAITS TIMES / STORY

Calm prevails as new MB is sworn in for Terengganu
Mon, Mar 31, 2008 The Straits Times
KUALA TERENGGANU - AN ATMOSPHERE of calm descended over Terengganu yesterday as the crisis over the appointment of the state's menteri besar came to an end with the swearing-in of Datuk Ahmad Said. All 22 Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen who had not supported Datuk Ahmad's appointment, as well as the former menteri besar, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, whom the ruling BN had nominated for the post, attended the ceremony. The investiture was held before the Regent of Terengganu at the Istana Maziah three days after the Umno Supreme Council endorsed Datuk Ahmad's appointment by the Terengganu Regency Advisory Council.

He also shook hands with all the assemblymen who had attended the ceremony.

Another swearing-in ceremony will be held - in about 10 days' time - for the state executive councillors, after Datuk Ahmad prepares the line-up.

Meanwhile, Ajil assemblyman Datuk Rosol Wahid yesterday gave the assurance that Terengganu BN assemblymen would not move a no-confidence motion against Datuk Ahmad when the state assembly convenes.

He said that the crisis which had erupted over Datuk Ahmad's appointment was not good for the people of Terengganu and said it was best that the state moved on.

'It is not in anyone's interest to revisit it (the crisis),' he told reporters after witnessing the handing over of duties between Datuk Seri Idris and Datuk Ahmad at Wisma Darul Aman yesterday.

Datuk Rosol, who is also Terengganu Umno liaison secretary, said all the 22 BN assemblymen who had earlier supported Datuk Seri Idris would now fully back Datuk Ahmad in administering the state.

BN won 24 of the 32 state seats at stake in Terengganu in the March 8 general election.

Except for Datuk Ahmad, the other assemblymen had favoured the incumbent Datuk Seri Idris for the post but the former was the preferred choice of the Terengganu palace.

This set Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, who had handed an appointment letter to Datuk Seri Idris, on a collision course with the King.

But, at an Umno supreme council meeting on Thursday, members unanimously agreed to endorse the appointment of Datuk Ahmad.

In a brief speech, Datuk Seri Idris said he hoped the incoming menteri besar would be able to discharge his duty and responsibility with full commitment.

'I pray that Datuk Ahmad Said will be able to carry out his responsibility with trust and sincerity,' he said.

BERNAMA