SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who is involved in the state political chaos has an ally in Pas.
Pas Selangor Youth chief Syarhan Humaizi Abdul Halim has chosen to side with Khalid, saying the MB's political adversaries should take into account the menteri besar’s contribution to the state ever since he took office in 2008.
“It is evident that Khalid is a good administrator and had brought the state into a comfortable economical and social condition.
“Any decision made to change the menteri besar should also be done in accordance with the state constitution as well as taking into consideration the views of stakeholders involved with the process such as the Sultan of Selangor,” he said.
Saying that the excuse laid out by Pakatan leadership for the removal of Khalid is unacceptable, Syarhan said the people might perceive the move as a betrayal to their trust and support for the party.
Previously, PKR leaders stated that the move to replace Khalid with Wan Azizah was made to “further strengthen the party’s stability in the state”.
Syarhan also reiterated a statement made by Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Samad who represented the party’s state leadership in support for Khalid to remain as the menteri besar.
“The support for Khalid by Iskandar is a testament that PAS is genuinely concerned with the condition of the state under a new unfamiliar leadership and would rather have Khalid who has always put the people of Selangor as his priority.
“Selangor PAS Youth is also in support of a statement made by Khalid on July 22 where he urged PKR leadership to follow the rules and regulations as stated in the state constitution instead of just announcing their plan,” he said.
“We need to remind those involved in the ‘movement’ not to be hasty in their plan and risk harming the people, the state and the party for their self-gain. As a coalition we need to remember that we have a responsibility,” he said.
Khalid ‘s political secretary Azman Abidin meanwhile urged PKR leadership to reconsider the plan to replace Khalid with Wan Azizah considering Khalid’s service in the state all these years.
“There has yet to be a menteri besar in Selangor who can match Khalid’s credibility in managing the state’s economy. We are aware that Khalid is not perfect but his concern for the state and the people has always been genuine and should not be questioned.
“If they are concerned with Khalid’s ability to properly maneuver the state’s politics, then they should tell us and we can discuss on ways to solve it.
“Khalid is a well-respected corporate figure with extensive experience in business, it is understandable if he could not be as politically-involved as the party wishes him to but all these could be solved,” he said.