This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on June 19, 2018

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali clocked out as Selangor menteri besar (MB) for the last time yesterday at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building here, after four years of service as the state’s top civil servant.

Mohamed Azmin, who has now taken on a federal government role as the economic affairs minister, said he will focus on bringing in foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country in his new role.

“In my new role as the economic affairs minister, Insya-Allah, I hope to create a more vibrant economy, create value, jobs and ensure sustainable economic growth.

“I will also look into increasing FDI in the country ... though I will be moving to Putrajaya for my new role, Selangor will always have a special place in my heart,” he said in his farewell speech to Selangor staff members.

Mohamed Azmin also said he has presented the name of his potential successor to the Sultan of Selangor for the latter’s consent, but did not disclose who it was.

“The Sultan has agreed to have the swearing-in ceremony of the new Selangor MB at 9.30am tomorrow (today) morning. I am confident in the leadership and versatility of my successor,” he said.

When met with reporters before departing from SUK, Mohamed Azmin said the name of his successor has received consensus approval from the highest leadership of both Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the Pakatan Harapan coalition.

“I have discussed the successor with [PKR de facto leader] Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” Mohamed Azmin told pressmen.

However, Mohamed Azmin was coy when reporters prodded for hints of the identity of his successor, like age. “He is certainly much younger than 93,” he quipped.