Dirt-digging threatens ‘talks’
(The Star) – An initiative to hold “peace talks” between Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is in danger of being derailed by dirt-digging and the threat of disciplinary action against the Selangor Mentri Besar.
Khalid’s political secretary Azman Abidin, who is trying to arrange the meeting in “one or two days’ time,” has found himself up against aggressive moves by PKR leaders who want the Mentri Besar out.
The proposed “peace talks” are a last-ditch effort to find a way out of PKR’s Kajang Move catastrophe.
But the crisis has deepened with mounting speculation that PKR is planning to take disciplinary action against Khalid if he continues to resist pressure to step down.
To add to the already complex scenario, party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution has threatened to reveal a dossier containing alleged wrongdoings in land and business deals involving the Selangor government, a move which Khalid has slammed as defamatory.
He has also challenged his accusers to lodge a report with the MACC.
An emergency political bureau meeting on Sunday night had, among other things, discussed what could be done about Khalid within the next one week if he continues to ignore calls to step down.
Although Azman insists that disciplinary action would be a decision of last resort, a source indicated that Khalid would soon be issued a show-cause letter. Sacking would be the final option if Khalid fails to provide a satisfactory response to the show-cause letter.
Despite the confusion, Azman said he is confident that the Khalid-Wan Azizah meeting will take place. The meeting will not include Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“All of us want a positive outcome to the issue and I am confident Tan Sri will agree. It is only a matter of timing now. I hope to see an honourable solution for him,” said Azman.
Khalid had ignored several requests by Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah, who is PKR president, to meet to discuss the Mentri Besar issue.
He has refused to make way for Dr Wan Azizah, who has been endorsed by her party for the Mentri Besar’s post but who is facing opposition from PAS leaders.
“Tan Sri has no real issues with Kak Wan but he is concerned about how PAS and the Palace feel about the MB post,” said Azman.
It is understood that Anwar wants the way cleared for Dr Wan Azizah before Aug 10 when the Pakatan parties are supposed to reach a final decision on the issue.
Anwar, who also wants to avoid a snap state election, is concerned that Khalid may approach the Sultan to propose that the state legislative assembly be dissolved.
Despite the war drums and open squabbling between the Pakatan Rakyat parties, the leaders are not keen to face the Selangor voters again so soon after the general election.
