‘Happy’ Khalid says his resignation best solution to MB crisis

Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, Malay Mail Online

A smiling Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said today he is “happy” with his decision to resign from his post as mentri besar (MB), believing it to be the best solution to the Selangor leadership crisis.

He pointed out that the issue of calling for an emergency state assembly sitting or for fresh state elections no longer arose, as the Selangor Sultan has now requested Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to come up with a list of MB candidates.

“No, I will not accept (if nominated as MB again), I am happy to let go of this responsibility.

“I am planning to, however, carry on my duties as Port Klang assemblyman,” Khalid told a news conference.

When asked why Khalid chose to resign as MB, he said: “They (PR) no longer wanted me.”

“There were intentions made clear (by parties) that I am no longer wanted as MB and if I am no longer MB, I hope after this they will talk about carrying on the state administration,” he added.

The Sultan of Selangor has demanded that Pakatan Rakyat provide more than two names for the mentri besar post, citing the convention during previous appointments.

In a statement, the palace also said that Khalid’s resignation from mentri besar has been postponed until the new appointment.

“His Highness the Sultan of Selangor has decreed for leaders of PAS, PKR and DAP to suggest more than two names from parties in Pakatan Rakyat as mentri besar candidates,” said the Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Muhamad Munir Bani.

“This is to facilitate His Highness in choosing a qualified mentri besar and subsequently giving assent to elect any candidate deemed suitable.”

PKR, DAP and PAS will now have to each come up with more than two names for Khalid’s mentri besar post.

PAS yesterday maintained its nomination for two possible MB candidates — PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and deputy Azmin Ali.