It is the party, and not any individual, who decides if anyone is "permanent" in a leadership position, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim insisted today in the face of Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s insistence he will see out a second term as MB.

 

"The decision rests with the party, nobody else can say that a person will remain in a certain position," Anwar told reporters at the menteri besar's residence in Shah Alam, but without referring to Khalid in particular.

 

He did not directly answer questions whether Khalid would see out his second term as a MB.

 

"I have advised (Khalid) before not to make any statements that gives the impression that the party or the state assemblypersons have no room to demand for a change (in leadership)," he said.

 

Anwar (left in photo) , however, did not specify how long it would take for the Pakatan Rakyat leadership to make a decision on Khalid's fate. 

 

There has been rife speculation that Anwar's wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (right in photo) , 62, could become the next MB as early as after Hari Raya festivities.

Yesterday, Umno’s lawyer Hafarizam Harun was quoted as saying a woman cannot become a MB due to her menses.

Hafarizam later clarified that he meant ‘ uzur syarie ’ which also included confinement after child birth and was not making specific references to Wan Azizah.

Menses? It's 2014

 

But Anwar dismissed the statement as being completely "irrelevant".

 

"We are in 2014, this is completely irrelevant," he said.

 

Earlier, in a speech on the economy at the MB's residence, Anwar said that leaders from the state government and the federal government must listen to the voices opposing then Kinrara-Damansara expressway (Kidex).

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and Selangor economic advisor said that governments should not "ride roughshod" over the people's pleas,

Although the state government led by Khalid (right) has okayed the project in principle, Anwar said there is a "moral culpability" for the state to listen to be transparent about the project.

The project has also received opposition from Pakatan elected representatives.

"Detractors have said that we should not complain about highway projects if we want better transport, but they are missing the point.

“Kidex is not the best answer for the people's need for good and cheap public transport," Anwar said in his speech.

 

He, however, did not name the "detractors" he was referring to.

 

Kidex is among the key niggling concerns that have contributed to calls from within Pakatan for Khalid to leave the post.

The second-term MB, however, remains adamant that he wants to stay until the end of this term as he has taken an oath to serve until the next election.

He also refused to comment on possibility that Wan Azizah may take over, saying that making a statement would cause "more problems".

Related stories

Khalid remains adamant, dodges queries on Azizah

Mat Sabu sees no problem with Selangor MB change

Zaid to MB: Don't join Umno, learn to play golf

MCA: Menses aside, 'puppet' Azizah shouldn't be MB

'Heads must roll over Skip highway inclusion'

MB Khalid's principles - real work vs fireworks

Menses or no, Azizah was elected by the people