Anwar plays down talk of Selangor MB change
Looi Sue-Chern, The Malaysian Insider
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tonight played down talks that Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will be removed as Selangor menteri besar at the end of the month after the Hari Raya festivities.
Asked about the “plot” to remove Khalid and have him replaced by PKR president and Kajang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Anwar said they are “aware of the concerns”.
“It is not a matter of a plot but concerns. He is aware. I am aware.
“But whatever decision that will be taken, it will be done amicably,” Anwar said after breaking fast in Taman Guar Perahu, Permatang Pauh.
Anwar, who is PKR defacto leader, was coy when answering questions on the Selangor menteri besar’s position.
He said the matter of Dr Wan Azizah taking over the state government “has not come out yet”.
He said there are many concerns in Selangor over issues like water and the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) project, which has been widely protested by the people.
“I am taking all that into consideration. I am mindful and I am listening to all quarters and discussing with our partners in DAP and PAS.
“But it all has to be done amicably with the consensus of all parties,” he said, adding that whatever the decision may be, he agreed it will have to be done fast.
However, Anwar did not state a time frame for it.
When asked if the people of Selangor will be consulted, he said that had been suggested by some state leaders.
“How are you going to do it? Conduct a survey?
“It is up to the party leaders and members of the state legislative assembly,” he said.
Anwar also denied that he recently met PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang who was warded at the National Heart Institute (IJN) to discuss the menteri besar’s position.
Hadi is said to be a strong supporter of Khalid.
