I’m no traitor, says Perak MB

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic) has dismissed allegations that he colluded with Pakatan Harapan to retain the Perak Mentri Besar’s post.

The state Barisan Nasional chairman said the decision to work with Pakatan was made to ensure the state government remained stable and well-governed after the 15th General Election.

“For me, it was the right decision, one I believed in, and I am no traitor.

“It’s not like I joined Pakatan, DAP or PKR,” Mingguan Malaysia quoted the Mentri Besar as saying on Saturday (Nov 26).

ALSO READ: Saarani sworn in as Perak MB

“I was invited to form the government although I was ready to be in the Opposition, because both Pakatan (24 seats) and Perikatan Nasional (27 seats) could have easily (combined forces for) a two-thirds majority.”

Saarani was sworn in as Mentri Besar of a unity state government last Monday (Nov 21), combining Barisan’s nine seats with Pakatan’s.

ALSO READ: Challenges lie ahead for Perak unity govt

“We will find common ground to work and develop Perak as several agreements have been reached among the state exco members,” he said.

He said the administration will be known simply as the Perak state government instead of a “Pakatan plus Barisan government” and the focus should be on jointly developing the state.

Saarani also rejected concerns about working with DAP, saying the differences would not hinder efforts to develop Perak.