SHAH ALAM: Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim wants to assist Barisan Nasional (BN) wrest Selangor back in the 14th General Election (GE14) because he has seen PKR's weaknesses in administrating the state, especially on people-related issues, said Selangor Umno.
Selangor Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Johan Abdul Aziz said, however, the ex-Selangor Menteri Besar’s move to help Umno and BN should not be interpreted as an act of revenge against his former party, PKR, or his successor Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
“Khalid boasts of vast experience in the corporate world and certainly, he practises good governance.
"He wants to help us as he sees a lot of hanky-panky and flaws in the current administration.
"He wishes to see the state restored to the right track as he wants the best for the 'rakyat'. We are on the same page as him.
“There is nothing political about Khalid’s intention to help Umno and BN. I know that Khalid is doing this because he cares for Selangor people. He wants us to win because he knows BN can provide better for the 'rakyat',” Johan told the New Straits Times today.
Johan, who is also Semenyih state assemblyman, added that Khalid had voiced his concerns over the Selangor government’s poor administration.
“Khalid wants to make the situation right for the people and ensure they receive benefits that are rightfully theirs.
“As we can see, the water issue is still plaguing the people and their failure to build affordable houses is proven. Talks by the Selangor government are mere rhetoric,” said Johan.
Meanwhile, Selangor Umno liaison committee deputy chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan said they welcomed Khalid’s assistance.
He said the party appreciated Khalid’s offer and hoped it was sincere and one that came without hidden agenda.
“We do not just see Khalid as a former Selangor MB but a respectful corporate figure. We can leverage on his expertise and background where he can explain to fellow corporate players the true economic situation in Malaysia, which has always been criticised by the opposition.
“Khalid has the ability to restore the confidence of other corporate figures as well as investors. Khalid speaks with facts unlike the opposition whose intentions are to paint the country’s economy in a bad light,” said Nadzari, who is Batang Kali assemblyman.
Khalid announced that he would help Umno and BN win Selangor after attending the Selangor Umno Convention held in Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.
The independent two-term Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament and Port Klang assemblyman said he was ready to assist if it was for the good and prosperity of Selangor.
Khalid, who expressed no interest in contesting in the next general election, said he would bank on his experience and use his influence to win support for Umno and BN.
He said he would work independently and that he would not be representing any party but the people of Selangor.