KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has assured the public that the new Kelantan menteri besar will be an experienced lawmaker chosen from the previous state executive councillors (exco) lineup.

Takiyuddin said that the new menteri besar and his deputy would not come from the previous duo holding the posts.

"The combination of menteri besar and his deputy as I said before is a technocrat and a religious man.

"This new combination does not involve the existing combination. So it is up to the Sultan of Kelantan to choose the candidate based on the list of names presented by the Kelantan PAS Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yakob,” he was quoted as saying.

Takiyuddin said this when met by reporters at the PAS state and central daily committee meeting, which was also attended by its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, last night.

The report also stated that the statement by the Kota Baru MP gave the impression that Kelantan PAS Deputy Commissioner Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah was not named in the menteri besar candidate list which will be presented to the Sultan of Kelantan today.

Commenting further, Takiyuddin also said that the question of the menteri besar candidate and his deputy as well as the exco line-up has been considered settled.

"PAS central committee had held a meeting with the Kelantan PAS top leadership to discuss the appointment of the menteri besar, his deputy and the exco line-up.

"The party will only nominate names that it feels are suitable for His Majesty to appoint and the list of names will be presented tomorrow. The selection process went smoothly and got the approval of the party leadership,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Kelantan PAS Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yakob was reported saying that a list of new menteri besar candidates is available and will be presented to the Sultan of Kelantan today.

The report also stated that the swearing-in ceremony of the new Menteri Besar will be held at 3pm today.