Whatever happens, former minister Zaid Ibrahim advised embattled Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, do not join Umno.

Such a move, he warned, would tarnish Khalid's reputation and leave his future bleak.

"Umno is beyond repair. It's a party that does not differentiate between its interests and those of the public and state institutions.

"It's a party filled with leaders who are beyond questioning. Joining Umno means Khalid has abandoned the principle of integrity and accountability in government that he believes in.

"In any case, Umno will not win Selangor in his lifetime, so why bother?" Zaid stated in his latest blog posting.

The ex-PKR leader, who shares a common foe with Khalid in the form of party deputy president Azmin Ali, was commenting on the speculation concerning the MB's future.

Zaid pointed out that Khalid's relationship with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak appeared to be getting warmer and this sent the rumour mills into overdrive.

"It's tempting to join the enemy when your own party mistreats or betrays you, but I hope for his own sake that he will not do that.

"He may succeed in retaining his position as menteri besar by doing so, but it won’t last," added Zaid, who also quit PKR on a bitter note.

Khalid has denied the speculation.

Too much bad blood has been spilt

Reiterating that the "Kajang Move" was an ill-fated plan, Zaid also said it would be unlikely for Khalid and Pakatan to bury the hatchet.

"Too much bad blood has been spilt. Khalid has served the state for more than six years now and he has done well - at least that's the view I get from many quarters.

"As a compromise, Anwar (Ibrahim) should allow Khalid to complete his term in office but Khalid must do everything the coalition wants him to do. He must accept that he is also accountable to his party in the management of the state," he added.

Zaid also pointed out that Khalid must be prepared to step down willingly at the end of his term since, it was clear his party wanted him to.

This way, he added, Pakatan Rakyat can move forward as a united coalition to serve the state better, with no more public acrimony and feuding.

However, Zaid said if Anwar and his advisers were adamant that Khalid must leave now, then the latter should "accept this act of political treachery with grace".

"It's no use fighting your own party or doing silly things to spite them.

"Consider your several years in politics as part of national service, and accept that it’s time to move on without rancour or regret.

"His lovely wife and grandson will be happier for it. He can even start playing golf, for which I am happy to coach him - for a fee, of course," Zaid added.

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