Ahmad Razif sworn in as new Terengganu MB

(The Star) – Terengganu has a new Mentri Besar in Seberang Takir assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.

Ahmad Razif, 49, took his oath of office before Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Syarqiyyah in Cendering here at 9.25pm Monday night.

This came hours after Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor officially confirmed the resignation of Datuk Seri Ahmad Said as state Mentri Besar.

“There will be not be any drastic changes to the current state administration or the exco lineup or portfolios. We will carry on with the work that has been spearheaded by the previous Mentri Besar.

Present at the ceremony were all state exco members.

Ahmad Said, however, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Other exco members expressed their full support for Ahmad Razif.

“Although most of are still shocked by how swift the change was done, we pledge our full support to the new Mentri Besar.

“Tengku Adnan had given an explanation on why the change was necessary and we understand and accept it,” said state exco chairman Tengku Putera Tengku Awang.

Ahmad Razif, who currently holds the Science and Technology, Environment, Energy, Green Technology and Water portfolios, is also the Kuala Nerus Umno division chief.

The appointment confirmed speculation that Ahmad Said would be replaced, following a supposed agreement with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that he would stay on for only a year after Barisan almost lost the state in the 13th general election last year.

Barisan won 17 state assembly seats against Pakatan Rakyat’s 15, and managed to win half of the eight Parliamentary seats in the state.