Selangor MB crisis: Khalid’s Hari Raya visit to Nik Aziz sets tongues wagging
(The Star) – Embattled Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s Hari Raya visit to PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s home Tuesday fuelled talk that he had sought the veteran leader’s “blessings” for his political future in Selangor.
However, it is understood that Khalid’s visit was intended to convey his gratitude to Nik Aziz, who recently voiced his support for the Port Klang assemblyman to remain as Selangor MB, a stance also adopted by PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, mStar reported Wednesday.
“Visiting Tok Guru Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s home for Aidilfitri.
“Even though he is elderly, he is still a mighty conversationalist. Thank you for your willingness to receive my visit,” Khalid wrote in a Facebook post early Wednesday, sparking speculation on the nature of their conversation.
During the festive season, it is common practice to visit political leaders from other parties, but Khalid’s visit this time gave a different interpretation as he is under pressure to relinquish his mentri besar post to PKR president and Kajang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The PKR supreme council had endorsed Dr Wan Azizah for Khalid’s post after a meeting last Monday, reportedly for her ability to ensure stability for the party and Pakatan.
It is understood that Khalid visited Nik Aziz at his residence in Pulau Melaka, Kota Baru around 3pm Tuesday with his wife, Puan Sri Albiah Tunut.
The much-touted “Kajang move”, which began in January, was aimed at unseating Khalid from the covetted Selangor mentri besar’s position, a post Pakatan had re-appointed him to just eight months earlier.
However, Nik Aziz has strongly opposed this political manoeuvering, citing Khalid’s excellent track record in his previous term which effectively contributed to the improvement of Pakatan’s performance in Selangor.
“Like many other parties in this country, I wonder what mistake or flaw Tan Sri Khalid had committed to warrant being dropped from the Mentri Besar post?” the former Kelantan mentri besar had said in a statement Saturday.
Nik Aziz also questioned Pakatan Rakyat’s true intentions behind implementing change in the administration of the Selangor state government.
“The question that remains is – has Khalid’s performance deteriorated? And if indeed he has committed any mistake or error, is it to the extent that he should be removed from the Mentri Besar post?” said Nik Aziz.
He had called for Pakatan to address this question before entertaining any talk of a successor for the post, and also urged them to prioritise internal discussions to prevent boring the rakyat with petty arguments.
