KUALA LUMPUR, 24 March 2009: The replacement for Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin whose resignation takes effect on 8 April has yet to be decided, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He said he had informed Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that the post would not be filled for the moment.
“I do not hold a post (in the state government). So, we have yet to make a decision (on the replacement),” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here.
Anwar said Mohammad Fairus’ decision to resign did not put any pressure on the administration of the state.
On Mohammad Fairus’ status, Anwar said he was still the state assemblyperson for Penanti and a PKR member, and was on leave until 8 April.
Meanwhile, on the decision of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to propose former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the PAS candidate for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election on 7 April, Anwar said it was most welcomed.
Anwar said Mohamad Nizar was the best candidate based on his experience, background and sincerity in caring for the people of various races in Perak.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) has named Bukit Gantang Umno information chief Ismail Saffian as its candidate.
The by-election, nomination for which is on 29 March, was necessitated by the death of the incumbent member of parliament, Roslan Shaharum of PAS, on 9 Feb. — Bernama
