After PAS, now dissent in DAP over Selangor MB crisis

(Malay Mail Online) – After top PAS leaders publicly opposed their allies’ attempt to remove Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim from the Selangor mentri besar’s post, discord has now hit the DAP with party leader Dr Ariffin Omar declaring his backing of the embattled leader.

Malay-language daily Berita Harian reported DAP vice-chairman Ariffin, who is a member of the party’s central executive committee, today as saying that PKR’s nomination of party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to replace Khalid as MB did not make sense.

“I totally disagree with PKR’s action in initiating the ‘Kajang Move’,” Ariffin was quoted as saying.

“Whatever the case, let the people decide and choose. Wait for him (Khalid) to finish out his term in leading Selangor,” he added.

Just days after senior leaders from PKR, PAS, and DAP agreed last week to consider Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s nomination for the mentri besar’s job, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and acting ulama wing chief Datuk Ahmad Yakob unabashedly threw their support behind Khalid.

The DAP and PAS are to take PKR’s proposal back to their respective party members and meet separately on August 10 to decide on the issue before the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) presidential council reconvenes.

Berita Harian also reported PAS syura council secretary Datuk Nik Zawawi Nik Salleh as claiming that the Islamist party and the DAP have decided to retain Khalid as MB.

“PAS and the DAP are clear about this. The stand to keep Khalid has not changed,” he was quoted as saying.

PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday that his party had launched the “Kajang Move” in March for a change in leadership in Selangor after numerous discussions with all PR leaders.

The opposition leader also stressed that Khalid, who has been resistant towards being unseated, was told of his removal even before the “Kajang Move” was initiated.