Musa Hitam upset with Pakatan over Selangor MB issue, says it does not reflect well on opposition
Musa said Selangor was also one of the most difficult states to govern in Malaysia, hence it was a real test of Pakatan’s calibre in administering the state.
(The Malaysian Insider) – Tun Musa Hitam has expressed his disappointment with the goings-on at Pakatan Rakyat over the Selangor Menteri Besar issue, saying it was a real let-down as he had hoped for a strong and organised opposition to challenge Barisan Nasional.
“Pakatan governing Selangor, which is the wealthiest and most sophisticated state in Malaysia, was a real test for the opposition. I am personally disappointed with what has happened,” the former deputy prime minister told The Malaysian Insider in an exclusive interview.
Musa said Selangor was also one of the most difficult states to govern in Malaysia, hence it was a real test of Pakatan’s calibre in administering the state.
The ongoing saga between Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Pakatan has yet to be resolved despite the former being sacked by his party.
“The entire episode has not reflected well on the opposition. It will be a huge challenge for Pakatan Rakyat to get their act together now,” he said.
“PAS, DAP and PKR not only have to get their act together, in light of everything that has transpired, but they must prepare for the 14th general election.”
Musa said although surveys had indicated that Pakatan would retain Selangor in the event of snap polls, this was due more to anti-BN sentiment.
“There is a strong ABU (Anybody But Umno) sentiment in Selangor, which helps Pakatan Rakyat, despite all their shenanigans,” Musa said.
However, Musa expressed hope that Pakatan Rakyat would not break up over the MB issue despite the various differences indicated by PAS.
PAS has indicated its reservations about the suitability of PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the candidate for the MB position.
The Islamist party had wanted more than one name to be presented to the Sultan of Selangor for the position of MB.
“I suspect that the Pakatan coalition will come up with a compromise candidate for the position,” Musa said.
Furthermore, he said, the Sultan of Selangor was also bound to have his own thoughts and opinions about the suitable candidate to lead the state.
Musa said PAS was facing a real dilemma as the Islamic party could not openly oppose women candidates, which explains the contradictory stance shown by the party.
“The party will have to tread carefully on this issue as it has both modern and conservative members,” he said.
