Perak: Palace wants Bersatu and PAS to state stand

Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah has summoned lawmakers from Bersatu and PAS to state their stand on the forming of a new state government.

This was announced by palace spokesperson Annuar Zaini (above) after Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was granted an audience with the ruler this morning at Istana Kinta, Ipoh.

"His Majesty has been briefed (by Zahid) on the latest situation and His Majesty needs to be convinced.

"His Majesty has summoned lawmakers from Bersatu and PAS for an audience. They can come at any time today," he said.

Malaysiakini has learned that Pakatan Harapan lawmakers have been summoned to the palace this afternoon as well, but Annuar could not confirm this.

Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad is believed to be the frontrunner for the menteri besar post.

However, it is believed that Bersatu was not in favour of the Kota Tampan assemblyperson and preferred another Umno lawmaker, Shahrul Zaman Yahya, who represents Rungkup.

Umno has 25 lawmakers in the state assembly and would need the support of five more to gain a simple majority. Bersatu and PAS have five and three seats respectively.

Discussions between Umno and Harapan on a possible collaboration had taken place but the results are still uncertain.

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