'We are still grieving, no discussions on replacement' - Mujahid

SHAH ALAM - The replacement candidate for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub has not been discused among the Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) grassroots leadership as they are still grieving the sudden loss.

Its vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof said the grassroots leadership thought it was not the time yet for the party to decide on a replacement candidate to fill in the ministry's portfolio.

"At the moment, we are still grieving over the loss of a cherished friend. I'm still in shock and can't comment on anything relating to the post.

"Honestly, we haven't had the time to think about a replacement candidate and that decision would be made at a later date," he said.

Commenting further on the process of candidate selection to replace the late Salahuddin by Amanah, Mujahid said it was the prerogative power Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to appoint anyone who was deemed fit to hold the post.

"The prime minister had the power in determining the Cabinet appointment, currently we understood that Amanah was given the quota of two ministers.

"Usually the grassroots leadership of the party would discuss the matter with the Prime Minister, but we will accept the final decision he makes. For now, we have not made any decision yet," he said.