Selangor MB change on the cards if Pakatan gives green light, says Anwar

Malaysian opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during the 'Upholding the People's Agenda' forum at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 9, 2014.

Selangor’s decision to replace its embattled menteri besar (MB) can only be done after an agreement has been achieved among parties in the opposition coalition, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

The opposition leader said the protracted negotiation over the matter was expected to end soon, but replacing Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim can only be done after getting a consensus from the coalition’s two other partners, DAP and PAS.

"The protracted negotiation is hindering development and the ability to focus on larger issues.

"We have come to a stage now where I have been asked to discuss with Azizah and the MB for the final position.

"And this can only be done after getting the mandate from DAP and PAS," he said, referring to PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.  

Anwar also pleaded for patience pending the final outcome on the issue.

"We have come to a stage where we have to give a final decision so I appeal to all to bear with us while we make the decision.

"This is a PKR, DAP and PAS decision, so hopefully we can achieve this in the future," he said during a meeting with civil society groups this evening.

Two-term MB Khalid had often been accused by his detractors of running the state unilaterally without consulting his party PKR as well as the national Pakatan leadership.

He had also been criticised for his handling of issues in the state such as the water rationing, the state religious department's seizure of Malay- and Iban-language Bibles, as well as the push for the Kinrara Damansara Expressway.

The highway had upset some Pakatan leaders as it was seen as going against the pact's election manifesto to abolish tolled highways.

While it is understood that PKR and DAP have agreed for Khalid to be replaced, Selangor PAS has not made a decision on his position and will unlikely do so without the go-ahead from the national leadership.

Khalid, meanwhile, has consistently fended off rumours of him relinquishing his post, insisting that he wants to complete his term.

- TMI