Swift comeback: Amar sworn in as Kelantan assembly speaker

Kok Lanas rep Datuk Mohamed Farid Mohamed Zawawi is deputy speaker

Previously, during the campaign season for the most recent six state elections, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah was criticised for comparing water problems in Kelantan to a bedridden stroke patient, as both situations required time and patience to resolve. – Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah Facebook pic, September 5, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – Unlike Kelantan’s perennial water issues, former deputy menteri besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah has made a quick political comeback when he was sworn in as state assembly speaker.

The PAS vice-president and Panchor assemblyman took his oath of office before the assembly this morning.

Kok Lanas rep Datuk Mohamed Farid Mohamed Zawawi was also sworn in as deputy speaker.

Just before polling day for the six state elections on August 12, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced that the party would not reappoint Datuk Ahmad Yakob as Kelantan menteri besar and Amar as deputy if it retained state power.

Takiyuddin added that the posts would be entrusted to a “religious figure” and a “technocrat figure”, respectively. 

Following that, Amar refused to comment on the matter of his reappointment.

During the campaign season, he drew flak when he likened water issues in Kelantan to a bed-ridden stroke patient, as time and patience were needed to address both situations. 

“It’s like a stroke patient (who has been) incapacitated for a month with a wire (surgical tube) in his mouth. If he were to wake up, he would be unable to immediately start running. 

“Has there ever been a bedridden patient who suddenly wakes up and immediately goes to play football? It’s fortunate enough if he can even blink, sit up, and recognise people. Give it some time,” he was quoted as saying during a ceramah event. – September 5, 2023