Need to explain my presence in Kajang

By MT Webmaster Last updated Feb 6, 2014

Well, as I have said, we will cross the bridge when it comes (to that) but for now the priority is to win the Kajang seat, Insyaa-Allah, comfortably. The role of strengthening the state government, I believe, we can deal with it at the right time.

The Sun Daily

LOOKING tired but smiling, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pix) greeted us at his office, apologising for making us wait. He had just flown in from Penang and had to meet Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders for an update on party matters including the impending Kajang by-election.

Ushering us into his room at the PKR headquarters at Merchant Square, Petaling Jaya, the first thing he did was to take a scoop of honey, stir it into his cup of coffee, and slowly sip it.

Anwar is already tasting the sweetness of victory at the by-election where he is expected to sail through without any difficulty. The by-election will be held on March 23, with March 11 being nomination day.

Why did you choose the state seat of Kajang to contest?

Kajang is quite unique as it is between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. You find new developments and real estate housing projects, but what I see is inadequate infrastructure which needs to be looked into (as a matter of ) priority.

There is also the need to look into what is affecting the general public, particularly the poorer and middle-class population. There is a need to deal with issues such as inflation, the economy. I need to explain to the constituents the rationale behind my presence in Kajang …. it’s purely plain economic hardship encountered by the ordinary Kajang folks.

Selangor is governed fairly satisfactorily in terms of economic management, but I think the political leadership has to come in in the light of the incessant attacks using race and religion, with some encouraging the Malay crowd to go against churches. I think we need, other than good economic management, political leadership.

I think going beyond what we consider relatively good economic management is, of course, a clear political statement that can garner good support of the rakyat in Selangor.

Are you prepared for the challenges coming your way in this by-election?

We have gone through the worse in the past and as you (can) see, BN-controlled media’s vicious attacks have begun. We have gone through a lot which have affected Azizah (PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) and the family. That is past and now I want to focus on the issues affecting the people of Kajang, the agenda for Selangor and a reformed agenda for the nation.

While many are happy with you contesting in Kajang, there are some who are out to create problems for you. What is your comment?

We hope the contest will be civil and (we can) discuss issues and policies. Of course, I owe the public, the residents of Kajang, the people of Selangor and Malaysians an explanation on why I have opted to contest in Kajang.

There is talk that the BN state leaders are ‘shaken’ by the prospects of your presence in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

Well, looking at the hysterical comments by some Umno and BN leaders, I can sense that there is concern and worry over what is going to happen in Selangor, what changes to be expected and, I think, it is a positive sign,

You already have a heavy responsibility as Opposition Leader and de factor PKR leader. Will the post of Kajang state assemblyman, if you win the by-election, add to your already heavy burden?

I have learnt to, and probably need to learn to, delegate more to a ‘group of very competent and capable young leaders’ who are doing an impressive job. And my commuting between Permatang Pauh and Kajang …. which I incidentally did this (yesterday) morning … was not a problem at all compared to an MP from Ulu Rejang coming to Kuala Lumpur.

If you are a state assemblyman, how will you strengthen PR in the state as you say will happen?

Will your contesting the Kajang state seat solve the feud between (Selangor Mentri Besar) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and (PKR deputy president) Azmin Ali?

I wouldn’t deny that there has been a problem but to suggest that this is serious, I think, is not quite correct. It is unfair to say this as there is also feud within Umno, in the parties … it’s known and I wouldn’t one to deny the existence (of the feud) … but we’re on good rapport talking about the political strategy, election machinery, and we appear together … but most importantly on major policy issues or programmes, we are together but differences are there.

Does that mean that Khalid will still remain as Mentri Besar because people are still having doubts over this … whether you’ll take over or he’ll still remain?

I have to be an ADUN to qualify to be a candidate … the rule is, of course, to be effective in the state so we’ll have to deal with this, so it’s not a yes or a no (laughs).

What happens to Khalid’s future if he leaves because there is talk that he’ll become an economic adviser?

Of course, this is a bit premature, but in the event he leaves, it would be a waste to not harness his potential and his experience to help the state. In fact, I would certainly suggest that Tan Sri Khalid, or even Tan Sri Muhammad (Muhammad) Taib (former Selangor mentri besar), since he’s already a party member, be there to share their experiences.

I know some people can be critical or cynical with negative reports, but I would certainly feel that these people with some experience would be of some of assistance, at least, in terms of having a forum where they can churn out ideas. I’m not suggesting that all should be given positions.

Is it true that the Sultan of Selangor can decide who can be the Mentri Besar of Selangor?

We’ve read the state constitution; it’s very clear. I don’t think it’s fair to drag the Sultan here; the proper manner is we can submit or recommend names to be given a royal consent. I think it’s not purely constitutional … I’ve read the constitution and I’m quite clear on it.

Anwar Ibrahim Kajang