REMBAU: Political parties in the unity government contesting in the six state elections on Aug 12 should refrain from openly showing support for their choice of mentri besar, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Barisan Nasional deputy chairman said this should only be discussed after the polls.
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"Let us remain focused on winning the elections first.
"Barisan and Pakatan Harapan leaders can surely sort this out later.
"Its like the popular saying of 'let's cross the bridge when we get there'," he said when met after opening an employment carnival here.
On Friday (July 14) night, Negri Sembilan DAP said it wants Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to serve a second term as mentri besar if Pakatan and Barisan were able to defend the state in the polls.
State DAP chief and party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said Aminuddin, who is also Negri Sembilan Pakatan chief, has proven to be a leader who had the interest of all communities at heart and had the full backing of the party.
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Loke said he would convey the state DAP's stand to the Pakatan leadership.
Mohamad, who is also Defence Minister, said the ultimate decision on who becomes mentri besar rests with the state ruler.
Citing an example, he said Umno's poster boy in the Johor election had been Datuk Seri Dr Hasni Mohammad but the state ruler chose someone else as mentri besar.
"This is beyond the party as the law clearly states that only the Ruler has the absolute power in the matter," he said.
Mohamad said both Barisan and Pakatan should continue working on strengthening their election machineries to face the polls.