Ahmad Said’s action shocked both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Opposition state assemblymen as they did not anticipate Ahmad Said’s action when taking part in the debate session on the address of Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.
Looking back, the former menteri besar had several times been in the limelight during the forming of the Terengganu state government in 2008 that led to a political crisis in the state.
After the 2008 general election, the federal government, which at the time was headed by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, submitted the reappointment of Idris Jusoh for his second term as Menteri Besar, but did not get the consent of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who was then the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
On March 23, 2008, the office of the Sultan of Terengganu announced the appointment of Ahmad Said as the new Menteri Besar.
He was reappointed to the post when Terengganu BN formed the state government after winning 17 of the 32 state assembly seats contested in the 13th General Election (PRU13).
After serving for only one year, on May 12, 2014, Ahmad Said stepped down as Menteri Besar to make way for Ahmad Razif, the state assemblyman for Seberang Takir.
The speculation at the time was that Ahmad Said had agreed to become Menteri Besar for only one year after PRU13.
Ahmad Razif’s appointment prompted Ahmad Said to declare he was leaving Umno to become an independent for the Kijal state seat on May 13, 2014. His action was followed by the state assemblymen from Ajil and Bukit Besi, namely Ghazali Taib and Roslee Daud.
However, Roslee returned to Umno on May 13, followed by Ahmad Said and Ghazali on May 14, 2014.
Based on current developments, there is talk among political observers that Ahmad Said is still keen to head the state government.
Meanwhile, after creating the furore, Ahmad Said, who was among the earliest to leave the hall, told reporters he was still an Umno member and would not leave the party unless he was sacked, stressing that he would use another way in relation to his motion.
Meanwhile, Terengganu Backbenchers Club and also state Umno Liaison Committee Information Chief Wan Abdul Hakim Wan Mokhtar said full support would be given to Ahmad Razif.
“It is quite weird when we have a BN assemblyman cooperating with the Opposition for a vote of no-confidence. This may have a connection to the federal level, such as the action of (former Prime Minister) Mahathir (Mohamad).
“Regardless, we will support the current menteri besar. The liaison committee will meet to take disciplinary action against Ahmad,” he said.
When met by reporters, Ahmad Razif said: “No comment.. no comment… Let the Legal Adviser and Speaker make all subsequent decisions.”
Ahmad Said, 63, who is a political science graduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia, ventured into politics as early as 1975 and at 19, was appointed the Umno Telok Kalong, Kemaman branch vice-chief.
He held the post until 1978 and was elected Kijal state assemblyman in 1990.
– BERNAMA