By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: It is finally confirmed that Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh will be sworn-in as Mentri Besar for the second term, ending the lengthy saga over his status.

Most assemblymen had received verbal notification from state officials to be on standby for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held today or latest by tomorrow.

A senior assemblyman confirmed he had received the news at 7pm on Idris being retained as Mentri Besar.

“The good news is Datuk Seri (Idris) will continue helming the state but the bad news is that we don’t know the actual date of the swearing-in ceremony,” he said when contacted yesterday.

It is learnt that 22 elected assemblymen strongly backed Idris to continue as Mentri Besar for the second term while one senior assemblyman vehemently opposed his appointment.

Idri, who was asked about the news of him being retained, quipped: “The media would know better.”

The state Umno liaison committee chief was in a jovial mood when met during his visit to a supporter's house here.

Speculation about Idris' position started after the swearing-in ceremony scheduled last Monday was cancelled at the last minute.

On Saturday, 23 Barisan assemblymen attended meetings with the the state's Regency Advisory Council and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Putrajaya.

Abdullah had promised the assemblymen that Idris would be retained as the Mentri Besar.

The meeting with the Regency Advisory Council on that day, however, was very brief.

It is learnt that one assemblyman had distanced himself from supporting Idris as Mentri Besar at the meetings.

Idris, who is the choice of the coalition, did not attend either of the meetings.

Terengganu MCA chief Datuk Wong Foon Meng confirmed he had received the news of Idris being retained as Mentri Besar late yesterday evening.

“It is good news for all of us. We had been keeping our finger crossed since the speculation started,” he said when contacted.

Senior Umno leader and state assemblyman for Ajil, Datuk Rosol Wahid, said he was very happy to learn that Idris would be retained.

“I don’t want to comment now as I have not received any official confirmation,” he said.

Bukit Besi assemblyman Datuk Din Adam said he would hold a kenduri (thanksgiving) once Idris was sworn-in.