KUANTAN: Pahang has beaten the new ruling government in putting in place a term limit on the post of Mentri Besar and state executive councillors.

The move to impose a two-year limit was done at the discretion of Pahang Regent Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

It was the first time such a practice was carried out after Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob was replaced.

Adnan had helmed the state for four terms since 1999.

Yesterday, Jelai assemblyman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail clocked in as the state’s new Mentri Besar, but under a “limited term” in office.

In explaining his decision, Tengku Abdullah said it was to review the performance of new Mentri Besar and new exco members.

“Insya-Allah (God willing),” he said when asked whether he would review their performances at the end of the two-year limit.

Tengku Abdullah said the state government must have its own key performance indicators.

In response, Wan Rosdy said he was not clear about the reason behind the move but pledged to do his job to the best of his ability.

“I see it as being put under probation. It is somewhat similar to jobs which require a three-month probation period,” he said when met after meeting his staff at Wisma Sri Pahang yesterday.

For a start, Wan Rosdy intends to cut down red tape and speed up the public delivery system.

He said that some processes could be expedited by allowing the relevant officers to make prompt decisions.

“There are some matters which need the consent of the Mentri Besar, but if it involves replacing assets that are old and ageing, certain senior officers can decide,” he added.

Wan Rosdy said he would discuss with state secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Safian Ismail as well as legal advisers to ensure that all processes adhere to stipulated guidelines.

He said the first exco meeting with his eight-men team would be held next Wednesday.

“I hope projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park will be continued.

“For projects related to the Federal Government, we will discuss them and look forward to working closely with them,” he said, adding that steps would also be taken to reduce some RM3bil in debts.