Saarani Will Retain Predecessor S 2021 Budget For Perak

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Newly minted Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad will retain the 2021 state budget prepared under his predecessor Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar, Saarani said there was not enough time to put together a new budget.
"I don't think there is time to review or change anything in the budget book which has already been discussed with the previous exco line-up, including myself.
"This means we will not change it. Just as a formality, God willing, we'll approve it at the exco level to be tabled at the state assembly," he said today.
Saarani's new exco will be sworn in at 2.30pm today.
Faizal was ousted through a vote of confidence last week, just before he was scheduled to table the state budget for next year.
The move to oust Faizal had irked Bersatu and PAS - who sent signals that they would withhold support from Umno.
However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday apologised for Perak Umno's actions, and an agreement was reached for PAS and Bersatu to back Saarani.
Asked about Perak Umno's ties with Bersatu and PAS, Saarani said he would tend to any wounds.
"After this, we will strive to heal the wounds, if any. God willing we will fix the weaknesses in all three parties," the Perak Umno chief added.




During the swearing-in ceremony earlier, Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah said the latest change in government reflected a failure of leadership.
His Royal Highness also said the people should not be made to suffer due to "emotional vengeance" and "outdated political thinking".
The monarch remarked that a pious leader would not resort to bribery or intimidation to secure support.
Asked for his views on the sultan's speech, Saarani said he was very touched.
"It is clear His Royal Highness is concerned with the plight of the people affected by Covid-19, and His Royal Highness does not want any political conflict to make Covid-19 worse for them," he said.
The Kota Tampan assemblyperson noted that becoming menteri besar is a responsibility, and is not something to be proud of as there are many burdens to bear ahead. - Mkini

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