Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim said today embattled executive councillor and Bukit Lanjan representative Elizabeth Wong extending her leave for another month to April 15.

The decision to extend her leave was made by the state cabinet at its weekly meeting today.

"The Selangor government believes this is an appropriate decision considering that police investigation is still underway. Today's decision also took consideration of the private discussion held between me and Wong," said Khalid.

"While awaiting the results of the police investigations, the Selangor government urges all parties not to make any speculation on Wong's final status and respect her right to privacy."

Khalid made the announcement this evening after chairing the exco meeting.

elizabeth wong crying at her resignation nude photos fiasco 250209

Wong, 37, was thrust into the spotlight following the circulation of her semi-nude photographs, which is now being investigated by the police.

The PKR politician, who was an aide to party president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, has since offered to quit her exco post as well as Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson.

She was however asked to go on the leave by the menteri besar.

In a related development, the police said that they have obtained a warrant of arrest for Wong’s former boyfriend Hilmi Malek, who is wanted for questioning relating to the leaked photos.

Hilmi, 32, was issued a notice under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code through his father last week to come forward by March 19. The police have however not heard from him. He is reportedly to be in a neighbouring country.

Exco colleagues to stand in for Wong

Khalid meanwhile assured the people that the decision will not affect the daily running of the state as Wong's portfolio will be shared by five of her exco colleagues:

  • Tourism - Khalid and Teresa Kok

  • Consumers affairs - Ean Yong Hian Wah

  • Environment - Rodziah Ismail and Dr Xavier Jayakumar

The menteri besar also announced that Rodziah will be standing in for Wong in looking after the Bukit Lanjan state constituency.

"We have volunteered to oversee the various positions and would work hard to make sure everything is running well."

Khalid also revealed that Wong had an operation recently.

"She had a minor back surgery last week and she is recuperating in Selangor. Wong has been given one week's medical leave by the doctors. I have met her and she is alright but she appealed to the public to respect her privacy," said the menteri besar.

Khalid also dismissed suggestions that the decision today was to buy more time given there will be three crucial by-elections on April 7 - the parliamentary seat of Bukit Gantang (Perak) and the state seats of Bukit Selambau (Kedah) and Batang Ai (Sarawak).

"The state government has to respect that there is an on-going police investigations which have yet to be completed. Hence, for this reason we have not decided on her status, and that was the main reason."

Her fate will be known on April 15

Khalid said a decision is expected to be reached on April 15 when the Selangor government will examine three options.

  • Accept her resignation as state exco but continue on as Bukit Lanjan representative

  • Accept both of her resignations as exco member and Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson

  • Let her remain as exco member and Bukit Lanjan representative

To a question on reports that Hilmi had been issued an arrest warrant, Khalid said he cannot comment on the matter as the state does not want to interfere with police investigations.

Meanwhile, Xavier urged the people of Selangor to support the Earth Hour initiative on Saturday. According to him, all state departments and state-owned complexes will switch off their lights at 8.30pm for one hour.

"We also urged the people in Selangor to support this initiative in view of the growing global pollution problem," he said.