Selangor should only go to snap polls as a last option to resolve the crisis over replacing Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan said today.

Ahmad said although Umno and BN were ready to contest to win back Selangor from the opposition if such an election was called, other ways to resolve the political instability in the state should first be explored.

“It looks like that can be the last option. For sure, it will disturb the people’s political stability,” Ahmad told reporters at a press conference in Kelana Jaya.

He said this when asked to share his thoughts on the possibility of a snap election to resolve the menteri besar switch crisis in Selangor.

PKR leaders had decided on July 21 that party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail should replace Khalid, but the incumbent has refused to step down from his second term in office.

Impact of crisis on economy a concern

“The faster we resolve it the better. But if this cannot be done, and a state election is necessary, we (BN) are always positive and are ready to win back (Selangor),” said Ahmad, who is also deputy finance minister.

Ahmad also expressed concern about the impact of the crisis over post of menteri besar on the economy of Selangor, stressing that the state played a major role in upholding the country's economic stability.

"We are not happy, for what has happened can throw negative light on the nation as the state economy is important to the national economy.

"It may cause investors to flee and it will affect the central government. Such political instability will affect the smooth running of the economy and the country," he said.

Ahmad, who is the MP for Pontian in Johor, was speaking to reporters after visiting the central processing centre for the goods and services tax (GST) at the office of the Royal Customs and Excise Department in Kelana Jaya.

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