Ruler picks Md Isa as Perlis MB - The Star

Reports by Sira Habibu, Manjit Kaur, Raphael Wong, R.S.N. Murali and Teh Eng Hock

KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja of Perlis Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail has named Bintong assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu as the new Perlis Mentri Besar.

Md Isa's appointment came as a surprise because Perlis Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim had received the letter of appointment to be mentri besar from Barisan chief Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In a statement, the Ruler said Md Isa's appointment was in accordance with Article 39(2) of the Laws of the Constitution of Perlis which required him to appoint someone who commanded the trust of the majority of the members of the state assembly to become Mentri Besar and head the state executive council.

The announcement was made at the Istana Siraj in Jalan Eaton here. Abdullah had given Shahidan his letter of appointment on Tuesday.

When contacted, Dr Md Isa said he had no idea of the decision prior to yesterday's announcement.

“It is a surprise, but a pleasant one. I am grateful, and it is an honour. I never lobbied for it. I never lobbied to be a state assemblyman, nor Mentri Besar, but I accept it,” he added.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/15/election2008/20653633&sec=Election2008]