PETALING JAYA: Terengganu will explore the possibility of having appointed assemblymen to ensure representation for certain groups, says menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
Samsuri said such a move, which is also aimed at addressing the absence of any opposition representative, would be carefully considered in accordance with the state constitution, Berita Harian reported.
“As per the Terengganu state constitution, the state government has the authority to appoint an assemblyman in cases where certain groups, communities, or other such entities are not represented,” he was quoted as saying.
“We will analyse and identify segments within our society that lack representation. Then we will appoint those who are deemed necessary.”
Perikatan Nasional (PN) won all 32 seats at last Saturday’s elections in Terengganu – 27 by PAS candidates, five by Bersatu. This follows the clean sweep the coalition achieved in all eight parliamentary seats in the state at the 15th general election (GE15) last November.
However, Samsuri pointed out that the state constitution does not stipulate that appointed assemblymen must come from the opposition.
“For example, if there are no women, Orang Asli, or representatives from other communities, then we can appoint representatives from these groups. The state constitution does not stipulate that they must be from another party,” he said.
Given the absence of opposition assemblymen and the perceived lack of check and balance in the state legislative assembly, Samsuri called for all PN assemblymen to be open to criticising the state government.