Selangor MB crisis: PAS’ Wan Azizah backers willing to go independent

(The Star) – The two Selangor PAS assemblymen backing PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the new mentri besar are willing to face the rap, including becoming independents, for pre-empting the party’s decision on the post.

Hulu Kelang assemblyman Saari Sungib said he believed his decision was not against PAS’ standing policy of working with Pakatan Rakyat.

“I believe I have not done any wrong, as my decision is in line with the party’s policy of remaining committed to Pakatan Rakyat and the coalition’s principles in all areas,” he told reporters.

Asked if he was pre-empting his party’s central committee meeting this Sunday that would make a stand on the ongoing mentri besar crisis, he said he was willing to be called up by the party to explain his decision.

This included having disciplinary action taken against him, and becoming an independent for backing the PKR president.

PAS’ Morib assemblyman Hasnul Baharuddin said the menteri besar candidacy had yet to be decided by his party, claiming that grassroots members were behind Dr Wan Azizah.

“I believe the issue will be resolved by proper discussions within the party.

“Eventually, the Sultan has to decide who the MB will be, not the political party,” he said.

The duo’s open backing for Dr Wan Azizah has swung support in the Selangor state assembly towards her, although it would need to be legitimised by a vote of no confidence in Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim during the state assembly sitting.

Khalid tweeted that PKR and DAP’s claim that they had the majority support in the state assembly to topple him would need to translate to votes.

“Until there is a vote of no confidence in the Selangor state assembly, the administration of the state will continue as usual,” he said.