Zahid confirms Sulaiman's resignation as Melaka CM

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday confirmed that Sulaiman Md Ali submitted his resignation letter as Melaka chief minister during a meeting at his office in the Parliament building on March 28.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said he would seek an audience with Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Mohd Ali Rustam to present the names of possible candidates to be appointed as the new chief minister.

"I hope for the wisdom of TYT (Tuan Yang Terutama) to accept the letter. The swearing-in ceremony (of the new chief minister) will be held according to the date approved by him," he said at a press conference in Bentong.

However, Zahid did not say when he would seek an audience with Ali or the number of individuals on the list.

Asked if the name of Melaka Umno liaison committee chairman Ab Rauf Yusof was on the list, Zahid replied: "I cannot confirm or deny. We are waiting for an announcement from the Melaka government."

When asked if the change of chief minister was part of plans for the formation of a unity government in Melaka, as he had recently announced, Zahid said there was a possibility that this might happen.

"We will see the latest developments when the new chief minister convenes the state legislative assembly after Raya," he said.

Speculation about the appointment of a new Melaka chief minister began circulating following viral messages about the new chief minister's swearing-in ceremony said to take place this Friday.