Nik Aziz: PAS cannot interfere in Khalid’s sacking

(Bernama) – “That is their (PKR’s) business, I cannot interfere,” said PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat when asked for his reaction on the sacking of Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) today.

Nik Abdul Aziz said the sacking of Abdul Khalid had nothing to do with PAS.

“PKR has the right to expel its members, we cannot interfere,” he told reporters when met at his residence here tonight.

The decision to sack Abdul Khalid from PKR was taken by its Central Leadership Council (MPP) in Petaling Jaya today. It is with immediate effect.

In announcing the decision of the MPP at the party’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya earlier today, Tan said the decision was unanimous based on Abdul Khalid’s open defiance to party directives especially to resign and make way for PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to be the new Selangor MB.

Asked on the statement by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that PAS’s Syura Council’s (PAS’s highest decision making body) decision to back Abdul Khalid to remain as the MB would not influence PKR in the matter, Nik Abdul Aziz said the council would not change its stand.

“Not accepting (the Syura Council’s decision), that is his business,” he said.

In Shah Alam, Selangor, PAS Commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad said the decision by PKR’s MPP to sack Abdul Khalid with immediate effect was expected.

“I had expected Abdul Khalid would be sacked when PAS central leadership postponed their meeting (on the MB crisis). I am now waiting for further instructions from my party,” he said in an SMS to Bernama.

Meanwhile, Selangor DAP vice-chairman Datuk Teng Chang Khim declined to comment when asked for his reaction.