Sunday March 30, 2008

Ahmad Said sworn in as Terengganu MB

KUALA TERENGGANU: Kijal state assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Said was sworn in Sunday as the new mentri besar of Terengganu, bringing to an end the crisis over the appointment that erupted on March 10.

All 22 Barisan Nasional assemblymen who had not supported Ahmad's appointment, as well as former mentri besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh whom the BN had instead nominated for the post, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

The swearing-in was held before the Regent of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, at the Balairong Seri (Throne Room) of Istana Maziah here, three days after the Umno Supreme Council endorsed Ahmad's appointment by the Terengganu Regency Advisory Council.

After taking his oath of office as the menteri besar, Ahmad, 51, signed the letter of appointment.

The ceremony was also witnessed by the President of the Regency Advisory Council, Tengku Sri Panglima Raja Tengku Baderulzaman, and the two members of the council, Tengku Sri Laksamana Raja Tengku Sulaiman Sultan Ismail and former Federal Court judge Datuk Abdul Kadir Sulaiman.

Terengganu Mufti Datuk Ismail Yahya read the "doa selamat" prayer.

Before leaving after the function, Ahmad shook hands with Idris and hugged the former MB as emotion got the better of him.

Ahmad also shook hands with all the assemblymen who had attended the ceremony.

Another swearing-in ceremony will be held, in about 10 days, for the state executive councillors after Ahmad prepares the line-up. -- Bernama

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