Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, The People-Centric Menteri Besar of Perak
Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, The People-Centric Menteri Besar of Perak
Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani bin Mohamad is a Perak political figure currently holding the leadership mantle as the 13th Menteri Besar of Perak. He began his first term on December 10, 2020, and was reappointed on November 21, 2022.
His appointment in 2020 was to fill the vacancy left by his predecessor, Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal Dato’ Haji Azumu, who resigned following the loss of majority support in a vote of confidence motion at the Perak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on December 4, 2020.
Background and Early Career
Born on March 13, 1961, in Kampung Raban, Lenggong, Perak, Saarani grew up in a modest environment filled with a passion for learning. After completing his Diploma in Science and Education (Physics and Mathematics) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1982, he began his career as a teacher.
His interest in education and human development did not stop there. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Human Resource Management at Open University Malaysia (OUM), proving his commitment to continuous academic and professional growth.
Political Involvement
Saarani joined UMNO in 1989 and was soon elected as the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Lenggong in 1999. He served as the Lenggong assemblyman until 2004 before moving to the Kota Tampan state seat. Through his efficiency and dedication, the Kota Tampan constituency was successfully turned into an UMNO stronghold, an achievement he has maintained since 2004.
As an experienced leader, Saarani has held various important portfolios in the state government. These include Chairman of the Rural Development and Plantation Committee, Chairman of the Information and Human Capital Development Committee, and Chairman of the Rural Development, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs Committee.
Political Challenges and Successes
Saarani's political journey has not been without challenges. After the 14th General Election (PRU14) in 2018, when Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over the state government, he was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Perak State Assembly. However, that situation did not last long as the PH government fell and was replaced by Perikatan Nasional (PN), a coalition consisting of UMNO, Bersatu, and PAS.
On December 10, 2020, Saarani was appointed as the 13th Menteri Besar of Perak, succeeding Ahmad Faizal who had resigned. This appointment not only reflected the trust of the people and the party in his leadership but also marked a new chapter in the administration of Perak state.
Legacy of the Menteri Besar of Perak
Saarani joins a long list of Perak Menteri Besars who have led the state since the independence era. Notable figures who have held this position include Datuk Seri Abdul Wahab Toh Muda Abdul Aziz (1948-1957), Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Jawi (1957-1960), and Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib (1983-1999). Each of these leaders has left their own mark and legacy in shaping the progress of Perak.
Political Composition in the Perak State Assembly
The Perak State Legislative Assembly has 59 seats, with UMNO holding the most at 25, followed by DAP (16), Amanah (5), Bersatu (5), PKR (3), and PAS (3). Gerakan and an Independent candidate each hold one seat. This composition reflects the ever-changing political dynamics of the state, requiring wise and stable leadership as demonstrated by Saarani.
Family and Personal Life
Beyond his busy political life, Saarani is a husband and father of eight children. His personal life reflects strong family values, which also influence his approach to leading and serving the people.
Conclusion
Coming from a modest village background and having been an educator, he is deeply connected to and empathetic towards the struggles of the people. He is not afraid to engage in grassroots work, nor is he any less capable of formulating policies for the state's advancement.
Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad is an example of a dedicated and authoritative leader who constantly strives to advance the state of Perak. With his extensive experience across various fields, he remains the hope of the people to lead Perak towards even greater progress. His leadership legacy will surely be remembered as one of the best in the state's history.
