KOTA BHARU, Nov 11 — Ayer Lanas assemblyman Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor’s appointment as a Kelantan state executive council (exco) member was not renewed, effective November 9.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the decision had received the consent of the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V.
He said the two portfolios previously held by Kamarudin would be redistributed to two existing exco members to ensure the smooth running of state administration.
“The Tourism and Arts portfolio will be overseen by exco member Hilmi Abdullah, while the Heritage and Culture portfolio will be taken over by Zamakhsyari Mohamad. The decision takes immediate effect,” he said in a statement today.
The state government also expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Kamarudin for his service and contributions during his tenure as a member of the Kelantan exco.
It also acknowledged his commitment and dedication in discharging the responsibilities entrusted to him throughout his term.
Yesterday, media reports quoted Kamarudin as confirming that he had received a letter terminating his exco appointment.
However, he declined to disclose the contents of the letter at the time.
Kamarudin previously oversaw the Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage portfolio.
Meanwhile, at a press conference, Kamarudin said he accepted the state government’s decision not to renew his appointment as an Exco member.
He said that although he was no longer part of the Exco line-up, his relationship with the state government and its leadership remained cordial in his capacity as an assemblyman.
Asked why he had not resigned after PAS announced its decision to sever ties with Bersatu last June, Kamarudin said, “It was because I was waiting for Sultan Muhammad V’s consent on the revocation of my Exco appointment. I hope all parties understand this.”
He also dismissed claims that his performance while overseeing the Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage portfolio had been unsatisfactory, describing such allegations as inaccurate.
He said that during his more than two years in charge of the portfolio, his initial focus was on promoting Kelantan as a tourist destination, before placing greater emphasis on cultural development in his final year.
Among the achievements he highlighted were the launch of direct flights between Kota Bharu and Jakarta, which recorded a 71 per cent passenger load factor, and the arrival of 12.5 million domestic tourists in Kelantan last year.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud for the trust and opportunity given to me to serve as a state Exco member for three years,” said the state Bersatu chairman. — Bernama