Selangor MB crisis: Last-ditch talks between Anwar and Khalid camps

(The Star) – Private negotiations between officials representing Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are taking place to determine the future of the state’s leadership.

Khalid’s political secretary Azman Abidin, who is acting as a go-between in the talks,  told The Star Online that Khalid does not have to relinquish his position if he meets certain conditions set by the PKR top leadership.

“We are still in the midst of negotiating. There are some conditions that Anwar wants Khalid to meet. If he agrees, he might be able to stay on until the end of his term,” he said when contacted.

However, Azman refused to divulge the details of the conditions as they were “private and confidential” but added that this had nothing to do with state projects.

He also admitted that some of the terms were hard for Khalid to meet.

“It is a tough negotiation, but it is up for Khalid to agree or not,” he said.

It is understood that among the conditions include the removal of Khalid’s former political secretary Faekah Husin as Mentri Besar Incoporated (MBI) chief executive officer.

Azman said that if the negotiations collapse, Khalid, who is also the Port Klang assemblyman, would have no choice but to step down and allow for a smooth transition.

Anwar had recently announced that Pakatan Rakyat presidential council has accepted PKR’s suggestion to replace Khalid with their candidate of choice, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also a Kajang assemblyman.

However, according to Azman, the decision is not finalised although it is almost certain that there will be a change of leadership in the state.

“Khalid has until Aug 10 or 11 to decide, because this is the cut-off date for both DAP and PAS to make their decisions,” he said.

Azman also said he was convinced that Khalid will not advise the palace to dissolve the state assembly although he, as a mentri besar, has the power to do so.

“He wouldn’t do such a thing, he does not want to end his political career by destroying the alliance. He wants an amicable solution to this crisis,” he added.

Khalid is currently under pressure from within the party who wants him out as the mentri besar, amid criticisms on his ways of handling the state.

DAP and PAS have agreed in principle for Khalid to vacate his post for Dr Wan Azizah to take over as Selangor MB.

However PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had come out to defend Khalid and he wanted the latter to remain in his position.

He was reported as saying that a majority of PAS grassroots agreed that Khalid should stay on, judging from his track record in helming the state.