Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad claims that he had the full support from all four component parties, namely PKR, DAP, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Amanah Negara, in the Pakatan Harapan-led state for the position of Selangor Mentri Besar.
Claimed that Azmin Ali’s candidature as Selangor MB was not endorsed by PH parties after GE14
Alleged that his name was originally submitted for MB but Azmin was appointed instead
Questioned timing of false allegations against him this time around
“As of June 4, yes. There were letters from all four parties sent. In fact, I was the only one. But whatever subsequently happened after that I wouldn’t know,” he said during a press conference at his house in Petaling Jaya on Tuesday.
“I have the support of all parties in Pakatan Harapan, whereas Amirudin only has the support of (outgoing Selangor Mentri Besar and Selangor Harapan chief) Azmin Ali,” he said.
At the press conference, the gynaecologist showed photocopies of endorsement letters signed by the four parties.
The letters, which were apparently penned in June to endorse Idris as the mentri besar, were signed separately by PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Selangor Bersatu chief Abdul Rashid Asari, Selangor Amanah chief Izham Hashim and Selangor DAP chief Tony Pua.
The names of the other two candidates, Sungai Tua assemblyman Amirudin Shari and PKR Seri Setia state assemblyperson Shaharuddin Badaruddin, were submitted after the state palace asked for names of three candidates, said Idris.
He added that his name was placed at the top of the mentri besar candidates’ list.
This is reminiscent of the appointment of a new mentri besar to replace Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, where the palace had asked for more candidates’ names.
Earlier Tuesday, Amirudin was sworn in as Selangor’s 16th Mentri Besar, replacing Azmin who had moved to the Federal Government to assume the post of Economic Affairs Minister.
Amirudin took his oath of office before Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at 10.25am at Istana Alam Shah.
Idris also claimed that Azmin’s candidature as Selangor mentri besar was not endorsed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) parties after GE14.
He said his name had been submitted to the Selangor sultan and that he had the blessings of all the component parties in PH.
“Only one name was suggested, and that was my name. My name had the blessings of all parties in PH and was sent to the sultan of Selangor.
“PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail sent the letter to the sultan.”
Idris said, however, that Azmin was appointed as mentri besar even though he did not have the endorsement of PH parties.
“He just went there (the palace) on his own,” he added.
Yesterday, Azmin said he had met the Selangor Sultan to inform the ruler of his replacement.
Idris said he would still cooperate with the new mentri besar as he was not “desperate” for the post.
However, he added that he felt sad over the matter.
“Every human being has feelings. But I will adopt positive thinking as life goes on. I can still serve my constituency.”
Idris also rubbished allegations that he was involved in the misappropriation of funds from PTPTN loans.
“I was made to understand that these allegations have been made via social media.
“This is the work of a liar and coward,” he said.
The message, which had made its rounds on social media on Monday, claimed that the assemblyman had allegedly misappropriated funds from PTPTN loans meant for Vision College students.
“The management of Vision College has confirmed that they had no problems or offences linked to both the PTPTN and the Higher Education Ministry since it opened in July 2005.
“I cannot stand corruption. I’ve even already declared my assets,” he said.
He added that he was already well-off financially and did not need the supposed money.
“This house alone is worth about RM8mil. Why should I take PTPTN money?” he said.
Dr Idris emphasised that he is only a member of the college’s board of directors and that he advised on medical matter occasionally.
“I have no management position there,” he said, responding to allegations that he owned the Kelana Jaya-based college.
A police report on the viral message was made on Monday (June 18) at the Kota Damansara police station.
He also questioned the timing of the allegations, saying that it came just as speculation was rife regarding the new Selangor Mentri Besar.