Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan rubbished speculation that he would be replaced, claiming it was an old issue that has been recycled.

Mohamad said the report carried by a newspaper was not an official announcement or statement from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“This is an old story, every time the general election is around the corner, such issues are played up. In fact, such speculation had started since I became the Negri Sembilan menteri besar in 2004.

“This is my third term and such issues are still being raised. I am confident that the prime minister would not carry out what was written in the report. Such changes, if any, would not take place before the general election because such an action can lead to various issues.

“What is written in the report is meant to hit me ‘below the belt’,” he told reporters after chairing a state exco meeting in Seremban today when commenting on a newspaper report that claimed Mohamad would be among four menteris besar who would be replaced to ensure Barisan Nasional (BN) remained in power.

The report said apart from Mohamad, three others on the list are the menteris besar of Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah.

Mohamad said he would continue to lead the BN election machinery to ensure BN retained power in Negri Sembilan during the 14th general election.

Speaking of his health which was cited as among reasons for his replacement, Mohamad said there was no issue about his health.

“I have started working... no need to be worried, there is no problem with my heart... I only took a break. Do not listen to rumours. I am not concerned with issues like who will be joining this party or that party or set up a new party because this is a democratic country.

“What is important is to start preparing for the general election,” he said.

Mohamad also denied the existence of ‘warlords’ among Umno leaders in Negri Sembilan because even in the Umno delegates meeting, no issues that can tarnish the image of the party or leaders was raised.

Speaking of the redelineation exercise carried out by the Election Commission (EC) in Negri Sembilan, Mohamad said a meeting would be held to discuss the proposed changes.

The EC had proposed several changes in Negri Sembilan, especially the Telok Kemang Parliamentary seat which will now be known as Port Dickson while three state seats that were formerly known as Senawang, Port Dickson and Repah would now be known as Seremban Jaya, Sri Bayu and Bukit Rokan, respectively.

- Bernama