PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has asked all parties including the media not to create a wedge between him and Khalid Ibrahim following his statement claiming that the Selangor menteri besar could be replaced if Pakatan Rakyat captures Putrajaya.

Referring to the report in Sinar Harian today, Azmin claimed the report quoting him over Khalid’s role at the Federal level had been misreported by the paper.

“I understand Sinar Harian may have its ulterior motives. But do not drive a wedge between me and Khalid. I have respected the party decision and support his administration,” he said.

NONE Explaining further, Azmin ( left ) said he only said that Khalid was a recognised corporate figure who can implement Pakatan Rakyat's policy as proposed in the Orange Book ( Buku Jingga )

“I did not touch on the issue of reshuffling in the Selangor leadership as reported in the daily," he said, while claiming that the report in question had diverted from the topic of discussion.

Khalid, in commenting on the report after chairing the Selangor exco meeting, said it is not a decision made by Pakatan.

He said the decision on who to contest in the election and who would be the menteri besar will be announced (after the election)

“Hence this comment should not be taken as that from Pakatan as a group,” he said, adding that Azmin’s statement reflects that he can not only serve at the state level but also at the federal level.

“I view positively the statement made (by Azmin),” he laughed jokingly.

Earlier, it was reported that PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali expressed concern over Azmin’s comment on the possibility of Abdul Khalid being replaced after the general election, saying this is not the Pakatan Rakyat stand.

Mustafa said that such statements, which the party considers to be Azmin’s personal view, would confuse the people.

Mustafa said the statement by Azmin is regrettable.

He held a similar view of remarks by Selangor PKR information chief Shuhaimi Shafie, that - if Pakatan takes Putrajaya - the cabinet would have 20 PKR leaders.

"It started with Shuhaimi's statement and this was followed by Azmin's statement that Selangor will get a new menteri besar.

"Such things were never discussed (within Pakatan) and will give a negative impression," Harakah Daily quoted the veteran PAS leader as saying.

Cause negative implications

Such statements would result in negative implications for Pakatan's partners, he said, as decisions have to be made together and within the spirit of the coalition

Mustafa (right) NONE was responding to a front page report in Sinar Harian quoting Azmin as saying that Khalid could be replaced as Selangor menteri besar if Pakatan captures Putrajaya.

Azmin told Sinar Harian that Pakatan may decide to make Khalid a minister, given his expertise in managing Selangor after one term. Khalid was formerly chief executive officer of Guthrie Bhd.

Azmin said the state has recorded a 23 percent growth in Gross Domestic Product during Khalid's tenure.

Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, also acknowledged there are discussions within Pakatan Rakyat in that direction (replacing Khalid), but that no decision had been made yet.