Khalid accepts PAS decision, will seek audience with sultan
(The Malaysian Insider) – Following PAS’s decision to back two PKR candidates to replace him, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he will seek an audience with the sultan of Selangor and advise him on the next course of action.
The embattled Selangor menteri besar said he accepted the PAS decision on his position with an open heart.
“Until the sultan makes his final decision, I will continue to administer Selangor with the four PAS exco members to ensure the people are not affected by this crisis,” he said in a short statement today.
PAS today proposed PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her deputy Azmin Ali to take over as the head of the country’s wealthiest state.
However, it is not known when Khalid’s meeting will take place as Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is on holiday and will return to the state on August 27.
Khalid thanked his colleagues and Selangor people for their support and patience in facing the current impasse.
“I also thank everyone for their patience in finding a solution to this issue, based on the correct procedure and the law.”
Khalid in his quest to retain the MB’s post had sacked three DAP and two PKR exco members after obtaining the sultan’s consent. Another PKR exco member quit in support of the party’s stand to remove him.
Khalid had said he would lead the state with the remaining four PAS exco members, who had said they would continue until the party’s meeting today.
PAS sealed Khalid’s fate as Selangor menteri besar today, when it announced support for PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her deputy, Azmin Ali as candidates to replace him.
“We have unanimously agreed to suggest two names to replace Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah and Azmin Ali,” said PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, also known as Mat Sabu, after attending a meeting with the PAS Central Committee today.
He told a press conference at the party’s headquarters that PAS would also stand by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition, even as the crisis has threatened to break up the opposition pact.
“The four Selangor executive council members from PAS will also remain in the state government to ensure service to the people is not disrupted.”
