He may have been sacked from PKR for refusing to leave the job, but ending his last day today, outgoing Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim was all smiles.

Riding the elevator from the 21st floor at the Sultan Abdul Aziz building for the last time, Khalid was sent off in festivities as 200 civil servants packed the foyer to show appreciation.

Many were seen snapping pictures of Khalid, while others held red and yellow balloons and placards reading 'We Love Tan Sri Khalid' and 'Tan Sri Khalid Terbaik ' (Tan Sri Khalid is the best).

Ousted due to party politics, Khalid in his parting speech urged the civil servants to ignore the politicking and carry on with their duties.

"Let politicians battle each other, let them have their dramas. We continue working.

"Let their dramas turn into jokes that will be remembered forever," he said at the state secretariat building in Shah Alam.

He also said that the civil servants should not be sad about his departure.

"This is not a time to say goodbye or go down memory lane.

"Nor is it a time for apologies or tears, but (a time) to do what is needed to ensure the welfare of each Selangor family - this is our duty," he said.

'I have been fortunate'

He said that he has been "fortunate to be entrusted" with the job for five years.

"If there have been mistake please correct them and make sure Selangor remains the most developed state (in Malaysia)," he said.

He was flanked by former political secretary Faekah Husin, state secretary Mohd Khusrin Munawi and the state executive council members.

Khusrin himself confessed that this is the first time he has seen such a send-off for an MB, in his 30 years in civil service.

Meanwhile, Khalid said that with Selangor successfully taking over the state’s water assets, the assets worth RM14 billion can now be rightfully returned to the people via shares.

He was referring to the controversial water industry restructuring deal which PKR claimed raised suspicion of backdoor dealings and corruption.

The restructuring of the water industry has been Khalid’s dogged quest from his first term as MB. He has denied PKR’s claims and commenced legal action against the party.

A new MB will be sworn in tomorrow morning. The palace has confirmed that a letter of appointment has been issued to PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

The Bandar Tun Razak MP, who was sacked as PKR member for refusing to resign as MB on party’s instruction, assumed office at the state’s 14th MB on Mar 13, 2008.

He said he wanted to serve out his second term, but conceded after 30 out of 56 Selangor assemblypersons declared support for PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as MB.

Wan Azizah did not get the palace's consent.

Related stories

PKR gives Azmin last minute endorsement as MB

Selangor sailing into uncharted waters

Police report lodged against Aziz Bari

Farewell Khalid, it's been a good show

Khalid one of best Selangor MBs, says PAS hopeful

Azmin Ali to replace Khalid, say sources

Bow to Selangor royal decision, says Dr M

Azmin, Nik Nazmi deny being present at palace

'Azmin bad choice, remember his Allah stand'

Accept sultan's choice, Kedah PKR urges party

MP: Explanation must be given if Azizah not MB