Malacca Umno chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh is expected to take up the post of state chief minister, replacing Sulaiman Md Ali, NST reported.
The daily, quoting sources, said Sulaiman is expected to resign from his post tomorrow.
It added that the change is to happen following a meeting between Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sulaiman who is also Masjid Tanah Umno deputy chief and Lendu assemblyman.
NST also said Rauf declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
“Has there been an official confirmation? I refuse to comment further until there is an official statement,” Rauf was quoted as saying.
It has been speculated since the Malacca state elections in November that Ab Rauf would be the new chief minister, replacing Sulaiman.
However, after the state polls, Sulaiman returned to helm the top post.
On Monday, deputy prime minister Zahid said Malacca may witness the formation of a unity government.
“InsyaAllah, in the state of Malacca, a Madani (unity) government has not been formed but it’s heading towards that direction.”
Zahid said this during a ceremony which was also attended by Sulaiman and Ab Rauf.
He said the change in the country’s political landscape would also be witnessed in the six states where elections are due soon, namely Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
In the Malacca elections, BN managed to obtain a two-thirds majority, winning 21 of the total 28 seats in the state assembly to govern the state.
NST also reported that the oath taking ceremony by Rauf is expected to be held on Friday in front of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.
This morning, Sulaiman chaired the Exco meeting at his office in Seri Negeri before attending several discussions with his officers.
He is scheduled to attend the Malacca Umno Liaison Committee meeting later today. – TMI