KLANG: Umno was on the verge of forming a coalition government in Selangor with Pas after the March general election, said former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo

He said he led talks with Pas leaders for four days and nights after March 8 in efforts to hammer out a deal but "outside" influence scuttled the preliminary deal.

Commenting on recent talks between leaders of the two parties on Malay unity, Dr Khir said he had discussions with Pas deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa, Pas Terengganu commissioner Mustafa Ali and Pas Shah Alam MP Abdul Khalid Samad.

Dr Khir said he even took them to meet Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for talks, adding Abdullah gave his blessings for the coalition government and that it would be the start of a nationwide cooperation between the two parties.

He added that the deal was almost signed but Pas wanted to discuss it within the party first.
Dr Khir claimed that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim learned of the talks and used his influence through Pas secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar to derail the talks.

Dr Khir said all the Barisan Nasional representatives who won in Selangor were informed of the talks, adding MCA was aware of it and supported the move.

Asked if it was a desperate attempt by Umno to cling to power in the state, he denied it, saying Umno was only interested in a strong and stable government.

He said a two-party coalition was better than a three-party coalition as it would have less bickering like what was happening now.

He added that the move to form the coalition was also in the interest of Malay unity and to protect Islam.

In the elections, BN won 20 seats -- 18 by Umno and two by MCA. Pas won eight seats, while Parti Keadilan Rakyat and DAP won 15 and 13 seats respectively.

Dr Khir said Umno offered Pas the menteri besar's post and also five executive councillor positions.

He said MCA would have been given an exco position while Indians would have been placed in high ranking government posts.

MIC lost all three state seats it contested.

MCA's Kuala Kubu Baru assemblyman Wong Koon Mun denied he was informed of the talks between Dr Khir and the Pas leaders.

And Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said the meeting with Abdullah was arranged by a third party and Dr Khir was present.

He saw it as an attempt by Dr Khir to hold on to the state and also to sabotage Pakatan Rakyat's efforts to form the state government.

He said Pas decided to play along to Umno's tune just to buy time.

"They did not know that we had already endorsed Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as the menteri besar at that time."