Anwar says becoming Selangor MB is part of stratgey to be PM

The Rakyat Post – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Australia’s Newsline about his latest strategy to make it to Malaysia’s “top office”, most likely indicating the job of the Prime Minister.

In an interview with the network from Down Under, Anwar said he is in talks to take over the Selangor Menteri Besar post from Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Revealing his strategy, Anwar said his plan is to use Selangor as a model to prove his leadership, adding that it is also part of his strategy to make it to Malaysia’s “top office”.

“This is our launch pad,” he told Newsline.

As Selangor is the richest state, Anwar says it will give him the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills through good and transparent governance.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader added that talks about the possibility of a “change of guard” is underway, and revealed that Khalid may shift into a “role as an economic adviser”.

Citing changing circumstances in Malaysia which included racial and economic problems, Anwar said it was why he had to act.

The interviewer, Jim Middleton, reminded Anwar of an earlier interview they had in which the former deputy minister said he would be taking a back seat in politics.

“This hardly seems like the action of a man planning to reduce his workload,” Middleton pointed out.

Anwar responded that the “turmoil within Umno” and “excessive attacks using race and religion, inciting hatred and enmity” has compelled him to take drastic measures.

“I think that compels us to take some drastic measures, including to fortify the state of Selangor as a base for us to challenge the regime,” he was quoted as saying.

As part of the “plan”, Anwar is set to contest the Kajang state seat which was recently vacated by his own party member, Lee Chin Cheh.

After the announcement that he would contest, Anwar had denied reports that he would be taking over Khalid’s job.

Describing the report as “mere speculation”, Anwar dismissed it, saying that rumours of a takeover was an old issue that had been openly talked about since 2008.

However, in an interview at the PKR headquarters later, Anwar told The Malay Online that the possibility of a change in leadership in Selangor was an “option”.

“Yes, option is on the table,” he said.

Although he did not openly admit to be gunning for the job, Anwar hinted that should Khalid be removed as Selangor Menteri Besar, he may be put in an “economic advisor” role.