PKR has Khalid’s ‘dirty deeds dossier’

(The Star) – PKR has a 40-page dossier detailing alleged wrongdoings and questionable practices of Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (pic), said party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

According to Saifuddin, the document would be presented to Pakatan Rakyat’s leadership today to clear their doubts over PKR’s plans to replace Khalid with its president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

He said at a press conference yesterday that there were several business and land deals between the state and a public-listed company involving millions where Khalid’s conduct was allegedly questionable.

“These are the things the party sought clarification from him for but did not get, and it gives rise to questions over his integrity as a public administrator,” he said, while citing the recent signing of the heads of agreement for the water industry restructuring between Selangor and the Federal Government as an indication of Khalid’s “lack of accountability and incompetency” as mentri besar.

Saifuddin said the need for the dossier came following his meeting with several PAS leaders during the Hari Raya break, though he clarified that he had not met with PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang.

“All this while, we assumed that the background and reasons for Khalid’s replacement were understood by the Pakatan leadership.

“I hope this explanation will help Pakatan leaders get a clear understanding of PKR’s reasons,” he said.

Asked why PKR had not lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Saifuddin said he was merely tasked to present the facts to the Pakatan leadership.

“It is not for me to decide.

“It is up to Khalid to explain as the onus is on him,” he said.

Asked what would be done if Khalid refused to vacate his post, Saifuddin said “the best and worst case scenarios” were discussed by the party, though he did quash suggestions that PKR deputy president Azmin Ali was still being considered for the Mentri Besar’s post, or that its Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad would be picked as a compromise.

However, Khalid is not showing any sign of backing down.

“The accusations leveled against me by Datuk Saifuddin are very serious. They are categorically untrue,” said Khalid, who is also PKR treasurer-general, in a statement issued yesterday.

He added that if anyone believed the allegations to be true, they should report him to the MACC, police and Bank Negara immediately.

“Failure to do so can only invite speculation that these accusations are politically motivated and in bad faith.

“I hereby pledge my commitment to cooperate fully with any investigation.

“I also reserve my right to initiate legal proceedings arising from defamatory statements made against me,” said Khalid, who added that he would in the meantime continue serving the people as mentri besar to the best of his ability.