The Seri Negeri complex here has been the focus of media and the public’s attention since yesterday when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president, confirmed that Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali had resigned as the state’s 12th Chief Minister.

In fact, even yesterday morning all eyes continued to be focused on the announcement of the individual set to be appointed as the 13th Chief Minister after State Secretary Datuk Zaidi Johari said that the taking of the oath of office will be held today.

A Bernama survey around Ayer Keroh here found that Melaka folk have become “numb” to the political upheaval in the state.

However, as far as 36-year-old Aisha Rahman Haj is concerned, the leader chosen on the basis of “political harmony” must be concerned with the problems faced by the people and, most importantly, able to work hard to restore the state’s economic stability.

“We have heard rumours of a change of Chief Minister for some time and when it was officially announced, we are relieved that this political drama is ending.

“So, we hope the new chief minister will focus on reviving Melaka’s glory, especially when the tourism sector, which is the state’s economic pillar, is worsening,” said Aisha, who is in the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, Bahrin Sirun, 48, hopes that the new Chief Minister’s would be someone who is able to “do the job” that meets the people’s standards and restore society’s confidence in the state’s leadership, which has changed hands several times.

“(He) Must truly be able to feel the pulse of the people. Not solely for political or personal interests because people now are getting wiser in evaluating their leaders,” he said.

Fifty-eight-year-old Alias Abu Bakar concurred, saying he too wants the new leader to be able to bring something better and improve on existing weaknesses.

“What is happening now (change of leadership), it’s the people who are the victims. So, enough of all these and we want the leader to provide facilities to the people, stabilise the state’s political and economic situations and be sensitive to the concerns of the people,” he said.