Anwar explains ‘Kajang Move’
Himanshu Bhatt, Fz.com
PKR de facto head Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has explained the “Kajang move” as necessary to counter political scheming by the Barisan Nasional (BN) federal government to delay and even derail Selangor government initiatives.
Stressing that PKR expects heavy manoeuvringby BN to rattle the Pakatan Rakyat administration of Selangor, he said there needs to be firm leadership that is astute not only economically, but also politically, to counter the anticipated “attacks”.
The Permatang Pauh MP said this after a public briefing for constituents here late last night, to clarify his move to contest the Kajang state assembly by-election in Selangor.
The seat was made vacant following the resignation of PKR’s Lee Chin Cheh on Jan 27.
Anwar emphasised that Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who is also from PKR, has done well in terms of general governance and the economy.
However, the sensitive nature of the “threats” from BN need a more politically firm and incisive leadership.
“It is critical at this point to move beyond just an efficient state with impressive economic growth, and to be able to withstand the incessant propaganda and continuous pressure from the federal government that render many of our programmes either delayed or derailed,” he said.
Asked about the possibility of him taking over as menteri besar from Khalid if he wins the by-election, Anwar reasoned that the seat is a “political office” – just like the posts of the prime minister, federal ministers and chief ministers.
“He (Khalid) has done everything within his powers as MB, but he is getting nowhere,” he said, referring to the alleged political attacks.
Selangor challenged with sensitive “attacks”
Anwar specifically cited issues like federal allocations for Selangor and the water supply dispute between the two parties, as examples of how the state government is being hit.
“I know because I was advising Tan Sri Khalid on a few issues, including the water issue,” he said.
He also alluded to the case related to the controversial seizure of the Malay-language Bibles in Selangor as another example of the need for a firm leadership in the state.
“We have to recognise that these are the problems that are causing a lot of consternation and concern among our people – Malays, Christians and others.”
Anwar emphasised that Khalid is performing “according to his capability” for the state, but issues like the Bible incident are “national” in their seriousness.
Khalid is being “challenged” in this sensitive matter. “So there is the view that we should get involved,” he said.
Referring to the matter of the Bibles and the sensitive claim over the word ‘Allah’, he also explained that if Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng were to respond, those who are inflaming the issue will point to his Chinese ethnicity and make the situation more difficult.
“So in cases like the Allah and Bible matter, Malay leaders themselves must face them with more firmness,” he reasoned.
Asked whether his designation as Parliamentary Opposition Leader is not good enough to help, he said it did not put him in a position “to enforce and to act” in the matter.
He also cautioned that the federal government and Umno are expected to be “very, very vicious”, especially in the lead-up to the by-election.
