In response to a statement by Perlis Umno secretary Zahidi Zainul Abidin on the matter, Azlan said it was Zahidi’s own opinion and speculation.
Zahidi had said that Azlan might still face a challenge despite all nine representatives agreeing to his appointment as menteri besar.
“I think it is up to the state representatives. I do not think that it is a good move.
“As what Perlis Raja Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail said today, we have to forget politics now and move on. We have wasted a month already (over the menteri besar dispute).
“With all the state exco members just appointed, I believe they will share the same vision and agenda to ensure the rakyat will benefit,” Azlan said after the swearing-in of eight Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen as state executive councillors today.
The swearing-in of the state exco members took place before the Perlis ruler at the Istana Arau here, three weeks after Azlan was sworn-in as menteri besar.
Zahidi, who is the Padang Besar MP, had said that for now, the BN assemblymen had agreed to heed the advice of the Perlis ruler for them to be part of the state government.
Azlan also expressed confidence that the state exco members were “more than committed” in ensuring development for the state.
“We have a lot to do. Apart from continuing the development projects agreed upon in the beginning, we have a lot to think of to develop Perlis.
“I believe the eight members of the state executive council will work hard to carry out the tasks under their respective portfolios.
“God willing, we are in a team, and we will move together to ensure our agenda is a success,” he said.
The Bintong assemblyman also said that he had practised a policy of inclusivity, where everyone was entitled to give their views, since he became menteri besar in the last term.
Azlan pointed out that he had never sidelined former leaders but had instead communicated with them to get their opinions.
“It is not limited to former leaders, but people in Perlis who have held important positions, whether at federal or state level.
“They have always given their cooperation, shared their thoughts, and we take these into account when we make certain policy decisions,” he said.
For instance, Azlan cited the need to create more job opportunities as one of the ideas raised
“It means you have to attract investments. Yes, the state government can provide more job opportunities, but it will not be much.
“In terms of creating employment, we have to bring in investors. But it is not as easy as it sounds. We have to make sure Perlis is attractive enough.
“We have already started doing this (making Perlis attractive to investors) in the last term, and we are going to continue that this term,” he added.
End politicking, get down to work, Perlis ruler tells elected reps