PKR’s Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has denied that he has ‘run away’ to the safe state seat of Pelabuhan Klang in the 13th general election because he is afraid of losing in Ijok , where he is the incumbent representative.

azlan Rather, he has put into effect a strategy learnt from the DAP to secure both seats - or the “one stone, two birds” plan.                            

"Winning in Ijok is an easy thing for me as I have spent time and resources there," he said in an interview with the Chinese-language media, including Malaysiakini’s Chinese desk.

Since the Pelabuhan Klang incumbent - PKR’s Badrul Hisham Abdullah - quit the party, the demand has arisen within DAP and PAS for a ‘better candidate’ from their ally, failing which they would field their own candidate, Khalid explained.

 

"We argued that we could provide a more credible candidate, one who would be unlikely to jump ship," he said.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim therefore approached Khalid to move to Pelabuhan Klang to solve the issue.

"Some have said that I have a better chance in Pelabuhan Klang than in Ijok - and I agree," said Khalid, while expressing regret that he has to leave the constituency.

NONE "I’ve branded as running away and as being afraid (to lose in Ijok)," he said.

Dr Idris Ahmad, who replaces him there, is a consultant surgeon, and Khalid described him as a credible candidate.

“His parents are local and 80 percent of his relatives - who are Umno members - have agreed to vote for him,” said Khalid.

"If I don't move, Pakatan may lose Port Klang. As it stands, we can get both seats, (so) it's a good strategy. We learn (and) we thank DAP for showing us that in politics, you must be able to take strategy.”

He was referring to incumbent Ipoh Timor parliamentarian Lim Kit Siang, who will contest the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat in Johor this time around.

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Asked about speculation that he will be made finance minister should Pakatan Rakyat win the upcoming general election, Khalid said he has “unfinished business” in the Selangor government that he has headed as menteri besar since 2008.

azlan Among aspects of work that remain to be tackled, he said, is the takeover of water supply services from the private concessionaire in the state.

"That would be mad! No, I can't ... I know my limits," he said to another question as to whether he could head both the state government and the Finance Ministry.

"If things are stable and we have a succession plan, then there are two jobs that I like - either as minister of finance or to head Permodalan Nasional Bhd (which he has previously headed).”

Khalid added that he believes he will do better as an elected representative and as head of administration, as he has had time to become familiar with the duties and processes involved.

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