Pedu state assemblyperson Mahdzir Khalid will act as Kedah menteri besar when Syed Razak Syed Zain goes on leave soon to seek medical treatment.

State Secretary Syed Unan Mashri Syed Abdullah confirmed to Bernama today that a handing-over ceremony would be held tomorrow morning.

Before the handing over, Syed Razak (photo) and Mahdzir will have an audience with the Sultan of Kedah at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Star to get the Ruler's consent," he said.

Syed Razak who has been suffering from high blood pressure since April will go on three-month leave from August 1.

PM approves leave

In Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed he had approved Syed Razak's and that it would take effect after the menteri besar informed the Sultan of Kedah of his health condition.

He said the name of the acting menteri besar would be announced after that.

Mahdzir, 45, Abdullah's former political secretary, is the state executive councillor for agriculture, rural development and cooperative.