The crisis over who will helm the Terengganu state government is expected to see another twist this afternoon as former menteri besar Idris Jusoh has called for a press conference.

idris jusoh 01Idris, who is Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s choice for the post, will be speaking to reporters at the Hyatt Saujana hotel in Subang at 3pm.

The controversy erupted when the Terengganu palace decided to appoint Kijal state assemblyperson Ahmad Said as menteri besar, leaving the federal administration red faced.

Ahmad received his letter of appointment on Sunday amid much protest from his party Umno.

However, the new menteri besar denied that he has betrayed his party, saying: "There should not be any question about me being a traitor. I also know the rules and regulations of the party ... I hope the prime minister and his deputy will re-examine the issue. We don’t want these upheavals."

[Full report to follow]