Wan Azizah, S’gor MB in waiting?
Naming her as the candidate for the post will solve many problems in Pakatan as well as secure the support of women voters.
So speculation is rife that a few PKR division leaders in the state who are unhappy with both Khalid and Azmin are proposing that Wan Azizah contest in a Selangor state seat and eventually be made as the new menteri besar if Pakatan retains the state.
Zefry Dahalan, FMT
In politics nothing is impossible.
In recent weeks it is clear that Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim is facing stiff internal pressure from PKR deputy president Azmin Ali’s camp when the latter’s supporters waged a war against Khalid’s private secretary Faekah Hussin through the internet and social media.
Even though both Khalid and Azmin never publicly showed that they are at odds; but the strained ties between the duo is an open secret.
About a year ago sources told FMT that there will be a major reshuffle in Selangor after the 13th GE. At that point of time it was said that PKR de facto leader, Anwar Ibrahim planned to field Khalid only in a parliament seat (Bandar Tun Razak) and make him a cabinet minister if Pakatan Rakyat marched into Putrajaya.
Meanwhile, Azmin will contest in his Bukit Antarabangsa state seat and eventually be made the new Selangor menteri besar.
However recent developments in Selangor PKR, including the Faekah saga and few other internal crisis, requires Anwar to act on the issue carefully in order not to hurt both Khalid and Azmin respectively.
He needs to find a strong figure to unite Selangor PKR in order to hold the state with the help of PAS and DAP as well.
One such figure is his wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Personal touch
Wan Azizah has always been addressed as Kak Wan by PKR leaders and members even in the division and branch levels. That is the personal touch and closeness that Wan Azizah has with PKR grassroots members that not even Anwar has.
So speculation is rife that a few PKR division leaders in the state who are unhappy with both Khalid and Azmin are proposing that Wan Azizah contest in a Selangor state seat and eventually be made as the new menteri besar if Pakatan retains the state.
On July 15, Azmin was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that Selangor PKR is willing to accept Wan Azizah if she decides to contest in a state seat in Selangor.
However, he said that she must first get the support of the PKR grassroots in the state.
Altough a very democratic practice, it seems strange that a party president has to go through the state leadership and grassroots in order to secure a seat.
Imagine if Umno president Najib Tun Razak suddenly decides to contest in Negeri Sembilan and Menteri Besar Mohd Hasan says that he needs to seek the permission of his grassroots leaders first?
Yesterday, the speculation of Wan Azizah contesting in Selangor grew stronger when Kapar PKR publicly offered her to contest in the Sementa state seat.
The Sementa seat was won by Umno’s Abdul Rahman Palil uncontested during the 12th GE when the PKR candidate failed to turn up on nomination day.
