Rauf, an executive councillor in the Barisan Nasional-led state government, said he did not want to comment on the speculation “until more information” surfaces.

Sinar Harian reported that a new chief minister would be sworn in before governor Ali Rustam on Friday to replace Sulaiman Ali.

A message had also gone viral on WhatsApp thanking Sulaiman for leading the state.

Members of the media had gathered for three hours at the chief minister’s office at Seri Negara today as Sulaiman chaired a state government meeting.

However, they were told that Sulaiman did not want to meet the press.

This is not the first time rumours that Sulaiman would be replaced had surfaced.

In November 2021, after the state election, Rauf had been accused of trying to lobby top party leaders to be named for the chief minister’s post. He was also absent when Sulaiman was sworn in.

Rauf later denied talk of any turmoil in the newly formed state government, saying Sulaiman had the backing of all Umno division chiefs. Rauf was also made executive councillor for industry, investment and entrepreneurial development.

In December, Sulaiman denied speculation that he would be resigning from the post the following month. This followed a media report that he would be resigning on Jan 3 to make way for Rauf.

Rauf then claimed that certain quarters were trying to drive a wedge between him and Sulaiman by spreading malicious rumours about their relationship.