The Selangor palace has confirmed that Mohamed Azmin Ali will relinquish his position as the state's menteri besar to accept the cabinet position of economic minister.

"The Selangor sultan has been informed by Azmin that he has agreed to accept the federal minister position under the economic portfolio.

"Azmin made this decision after receiving an explanation and confirmation from the prime minister about the scope and jurisdiction of this new ministry," the palace said in a statement today.

The statement was issued by Mohamad Munir Bani, private secretary to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

According to the statement, the sultan has formally agreed to Azmin taking on the post of economic minister.

However, Azmin will remain as the Selangor menteri besar in the interim, until the transition of power to a new state leader can be carried out smoothly.

Azmin will have to propose a list of candidates for the new Selangor menteri besar for the state ruler to examine and approve before the new appointment can be made, Mohamad Munir said.

As soon as the new Selangor menteri besar is appointed, Azmin will relinquish his position.

Munir said this process is in accordance with the state’s laws and the federal constitution.

When the menteri besar first learned last week he was appointed the economic minister, he said he could not hold both posts.

He said he would decide whether to accept the post, after he meets with both Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (photo) and the Selangor ruler.

Answering a greater call to serve the nation

In a statement later, Azmin thanked the sultan for his advice and guidance in the duration of his administration in Selangor, and Mahathir, for his faith in giving him the ministerial post. 

"I pledge to do my utmost to undertake economic reforms to save the nation from the crisis stemming from the misguided policies of the previous administration.

"To fulfil the aspirations of the people for visionary economic leadership, I am committed to developing a strong and vibrant economy, generating robust growth and value creation including substantive job creation and boosting foreign direct investment (FDI)," said Azmin, further assuring investors, both domestic and foreign, that the new government will be business and investor-friendly, while remaining faithful to the principles of transparency and accountability.

Azmin also said that he was moved by the sentiments expressed by netizens that he should continue to lead Selangor. 

"Please believe me that I will continue to be with the people of Selangor as they strive for the success, well-being and prosperity of the state.

"It is with a heavy heart that I leave Selangor. However, I am conscious that I have an even greater responsibility to the nation and people of Malaysia. This is a call of duty to serve King and country. Thus, I have the moral responsibility to answer that call for our great nation."