Next Selangor MB must be all about the people – analysts

(Malaysian Digest) – Political analysts say whoever chosen by the leadership of the opposition alliance to be the next Selangor Menteri Besar (MB)should put aside political differences and work closely with the federal government to resolve a host of issues besetting the residents in the state.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) senior lecturer and political analyst Assoc Prof Sivamurugan Pandian said, right now, hopes were high for Selangor residents who wanted a leader that could make decisions and policies in the best interests of the people.

“I think the time has come for the next MB to work closely with the federal government to resolve long-standing issues besetting the residents in Selangor, especially the water issue.

“The state government should cooperate with the federal government, irrespective of their political differences, and ensure all decisions do not burden the people,” he told Bernama.

The outcome of the 13th general election (GE13) showed each PAS and DAP securing 15 seats in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, while PKR obtained 14 seats.

Commenting further, Sivamurugan said the next Selangor MB had the ethical duty to give importance to the construction of the Langat 2 water treatment plant to ensure adequate supply of clean water in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor until 2025.

He said the MB should also hold a party post, at least at the state level, besides having sound knowledge on administration to lead the state.

“The MB, as the leader of the state, should have these two criteria to ensure no one overrides him in whatever way,” he said.

When asked who would be the best candidate to fill the MB post, Sivamurugan said Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim seemed to have the capability to lead the state for the second term.

Abdul Khalid from PKR was first appointed as the Selangor MB on March 13, 2008. He is also the first person among the opposition leaders to be appointed as Selangor MB. All 13 previous ones were from Umno, a major component party of the BN.

Meanwhile, another political analyst and media consultant, Anbumani Balan, said Selangor residents needed a dedicated menteri besar to serve them and to ensure sustainable development for the state.

“Selangor is an important state and very much close to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and whoever chosen as the next menteri besar should avoid harping on the same issues arose in previous administration,” he said.

Anbumani said the new MB must also engage everyone, including BN component party leaders, NGOs and residents, in the decision-making process.

“Whoever chosen as the next menteri besar must not only be liked by the three parties in the opposition alliance, but by all in general,” he said.

Anbumani also believed that ‘proxy war’ was taking place with regards to the MB post issue and this could be dangerous if prolonged.

“The opposition alliance leadership in Selangor should make a firm and bold decision on the selection of menteri besar, taking into account the strong mandate given by the people to them in the general election,” he said.

The polemic about who should be appointed as the next Selangor MB has been hotly debated by the opposition alliance party leaders as no final decision has been made to date.