Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak said last night he has the right to select state executive councillors without having to consult PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.  

He said he handed over a list of names of state executive councillors for 2012 to the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. Tuanku Abdul Halim is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He said the list of state executive councillors was expected to be received from the office of the sultan on Sunday.

Azizan said the question of rejecting the appointment by two executive councillors as was reported did not arise because the offer letters have yet to be issued.

"Why must they send in their letters? I have yet to make the offer. There is some truth and some untruth in this speculation," he said.

The menteri besar was commenting on rumours that two state executive councillors had written to him stating their reluctance to be reappointed to their posts on Tuesday.

They are said to be Kedah PAS deputy commissioner 1 Phahrolrazi Zawawi and deputy commissioner II Dr Ismail Salleh, allegedly due to disappointment over Azizan's attitude and leadership pertaining to issues in relation to his administration of late.

Both of them have not confirmed or denied the rumours.

The appointment of Kedah state executive councillors for 2012 is scheduled to be held on Tuesday at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Setar.

- Bernama