Selangor MB crisis: Show cause letter was fair, says Surendran
(The Star) – Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim may have stated that the show cause letter issued to him does not have specifics and is defective, but his words were rubbished by PKR vice-president N.Surendran, who stated that it is proceduraly correct and fair.
Surendran said the Port Klang assemblyman’s criticism is completely baseless as procedural fairness only requires that the charge against the offending party member be clearly stated in the show cause letter.
“This has been done. The charge contained in the letter dated Aug 5 states that Khalid had by way of a press statement on July 22 defied the decision of the Central Leadership Council to put forward (Datuk Seri) Dr Wan Azizah as Mentri Besar.
“There is thus no ambiguity or lack of detail in the letter as alleged by Khalid. The letter then gives him an opportunity to explain his actions, as required by natural justice.
“There is no requirement to quote specific clauses of the party constitution in the show cause letter as claimed by Khalid,” said Surendran in a press statement.
On Tuesday, PKR slapped Khalid with a show cause letter for his refusal to step down as the Selangor Mentri Besar.
In a statement on Wednesday, Khalid lamented that the ‘Kajang move’ involving his removal, was unfair as its details were never made clear to him from the start.
He has insisted on completing his second term in office. PAS leaders have also openly backed Khalid to remain as MB and on Wednesday, PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat restated his support for the beleaguered Mentri Besar.
This prompted PKR to release an expose on Khalid to convince their allies on Tuesday.
“On the position of Mentri Besar, it is astonishing that Khalid desperately clings on to the position after his party has decided to replace him.
“It is also against all precedent and practice in modern political party based democracies. His stand is undignified, he must accept the party’s decision and leave office,” said Surendran.
PKR has given him three days to respond the show-cause letter. In response, Khalid has reiterated his willingness to answer the accusations thrown at him by the party leaders.
