Wan Azizah to become MB, Khalid will not be sidelined – Tian Chua

(Astro Awani) – The nomination for PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to become Selangor’s next menteri besar (MB) is a continuation of Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) administration for a second term in the state, said PKR vice-president Tian Chua.

Meanwhile, current MB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will undertake senior role in the state’s economy planning unit.

“I am confident the MB changing issue will be resolved according to due process, in a nice manner within PR,” he told Astro AWANI

The MB issue, he said, will be resolved with all component parties coming to an agreement.

“Although there had been differing opinions among the PR leaders in the media, I view it as a consultative process and I am confident the leaders will manage it well.”

Speculation was rife that Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail might take over the helm as Selangor MB after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

A crisis emerged within the coalition as PAS and DAP gave differing standpoints as to who should be MB, with PAS earlier voicing support for Abdul Khalid.

Speculations grew more intense as a print screen of a WhatsApp message written by PAS Central Committee member Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki emerged, suggesting that some PAS members wanted out of the PR coalition.

Commenting on the situation, Tian Chua said he had spoken to both PAS and DAP on the benefits of having a leadership change in Selangor.

“This will help enhance the performance and administration of the state. We will do this in the spirit of friendship in PR.”

“We are not getting rid of Abdul Khalid; each of them has a role to play. Even if Wan Azizah becomes MB, Abdul Khalid will still play a role in the Selangor’s administration,” he added.

Tian Chua also voiced confidence that the transition will proceed smoothly.

“We are awaiting feedback from PAS on August 10. Then we will proceed with the changing,” he said in reference to a PR meeting to be held soon.

On Friday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng urged all political leaders to give their standpoints on whether they can accept that a woman can be MB.

He also warned that PR might break-up if the component parties fail to come to a agreement on this issue.