IPOH, Aug 20 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said his political secretary, Mohamad Hamidi Baharuddin, had resigned from his position, citing health reasons and the need to undergo medical treatment.
Saarani said Hamidi had submitted his resignation letter dated August 10, stating that his resignation would take effect on August 17.
“He wrote a letter to me dated August 10, stating that he wanted to resign effective August 17. We have received his request.
“The reason he gave for his resignation was his health and the need to take time off for treatment,” he told reporters after officiating the ‘Invest in Perak Day’ programme at Hotel Casuarina Meru here.
Saarani was responding to a question on whether Hamidi’s resignation was linked to allegations of drug use that had been circulating on social media.
On Tuesday, Facebook user Zaharin Mohd Yasin alleged in a post that a political secretary to a menteri besar in a northern state was involved in drug use.
He also claimed that the menteri besar had failed to take action despite being aware of the alleged incident.
In another post, the Facebook user claimed that the Perak Menteri Besar’s political secretary had resigned after he exposed the alleged drug use.
Saarani said he was aware of the speculation circulating on social media, but declined to draw any conclusions or take action based solely on the allegations.
“I have also read about it in the social media. As long as there is no evidence from the authorities, whether the health authorities or the police, I do not want to make any assumptions or take any action,” he said.
On Hamidi’s replacement, Saarani said the state government would make the necessary appointment.
