Faizal, the Chenderiang assemblyman, who is due to have an audience with the Sultan this evening, said he accepted the result of the vote with an open heart and would not propose a dissolution due to the current situation, with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Of course when I have an audience with Sultan Nazrin Shah, I can propose a dissolution, but do we want that? No way. The current situation is not conducive for an election (to be called). So, what should I do?
“I have to be a nice person, keep quiet and give my support to the person chosen by the Sultan to be the next menteri besar in the best interests of the people.
“I’m just an ordinary leader who, when entrusted with responsibilities, had tried to do my level best. When the time comes, like today, I will just let it go. I hope everyone can accept this. It’s not about us, it’s about serving the people,” he told a press conference.
Faizal failed to obtain the majority support in the state assembly earlier today after receiving only 10 votes of support, while 48 assemblymen voted against him, and one vote was spoilt on the motion moved by Pengkalan Baru assemblyman Abd Manap Hashim of Barisan Nasional (BN).
The Perak state assembly comprises 25 BN (Umno) assemblymen, followed by those from DAP (16), PPBM (5), Amanah (5), PKR (3), PAS (3), an assemblyman from Gerakan and an independent.
Faizal, who is PPBM deputy president, was reappointed as the menteri besar under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, formed with the mandate given by 32 assemblymen on March 13 after PPBM left Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Faizal had earlier led the PH state government after the 14th general election in 2018. The Perak PH government collapsed on March 10 this year after Faizal resigned.
Elaborating on the result of the vote, Faizal said he accepted the decision and thanked the 10 assemblymen who voted in his favour.
“There were many others who supported me but had to follow their parties’ decision. They came to see me (after the vote) and told me that they were not happy, but what is done cannot be undone.
“After all, this is politics. It can happen to anyone,” he said.
Faizal, who is also Tambun MP, hoped that the vote of confidence in him would not be repeated in the Dewan Rakyat or any other states.
“Don’t play too much politics. Give support to the current ruling government. Let them do their work until the next election, which I don’t think is going to be too long. We can contest again and let the people decide then,” he said.
Upset at not being able to table the state’s 2021 budget, which was initially scheduled for today, Faizal hoped that the appointment of the new menteri besar would be made before next Wednesday so that the budget could be tabled for the development of the state and wellbeing of the people.
He said he would have to focus on his duties as an MP to attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting, as well as Chenderiang assemblyman and PPBM deputy president.