Tambung Tulang assemblyperson Ismail Kassim (above) has disagreed with calls for fresh state elections in Perlis due to the cost involved.

Instead, he said discussions with the palace was the proper way to resolve the ongoing menteri besar crisis.

"Another state election would cost millions at a time when the country is tightening its belt.

"We should use our collective wisdom to resolve the problem [...] let's have discussions and find a solution," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin, who mooted fresh polls as a way out, could advise the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail on the matter.

"I hope Asri, who is a respected cleric, to advise his friends, including the ruler, on the actual situation in Perlis," he said.

Yesterday, Bintong assemblyperson Azlan Man was sworn in for a second term as menteri besar despite not having majority support from the 15 state assemblypersons.

Five opposition state assemblypersons were present while nine BN assemblypersons were absent in protest against the Azlan's appointment by the Perlis ruler.

Umno has moved to sack Azlan from the party for refusing to heed the party's decision on the candidate for menteri besar.

Ismail, the younger brother of Umno Perlis strongman Shahidan Kassim, was nominated by BN as the menteri besar. Ismail has since urged the Perlis ruler to choose someone else, other than himself and Azlan.

Perlis is one of two Peninsular Malaysia states where BN holds the majority in the state assembly. It is also the only state which does not have a state cabinet yet, more than two weeks after the May 9 polls.

In a related development, the eight Perlis BN reps who are against Azlan's appointment each lodged separate police reports in Kuala Lumpur against the new menteri besar today.

The eight said Azlan's appointment violated the Federal Constitution and the state constitution because the menteri besar must enjoy the confidence of the majority of the 15 state assemblypersons.

Related reports:

Perlis MB crisis: Shahidan denies 'derhaka' charge

Ismail Kassim rejects Perlis MB post, submits 8 other names

Raja of Perlis angry with BN, Shahidan fights back

Ruler's fear: Perlis MB will be a puppet if he's Shahidan's brother

Hours after being sworn in as MB, Azlan gets sacked from Umno

Azlan Man sworn in as Perlis MB, other BN state reps missing

Perlis MB crisis example why youth sick of Umno, Puteri chief says