PKR vice-president Azmin Ali once again lashed out at the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor government during the state assembly proceedings today.

eli wong back to work160409 teresa kok 02 The Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyperson's outburst was prompted by a remark from Selangor senior exco Teresa Kok.

In her winding-up speech, Kok, who is the exco for investment, industry and trade, suggested all state reps to clarify their doubts or express dissatisfaction directly with exco members.

"Our doors are always open to all (including those from BN). We should avoid misunderstandings that can be exploited by the opposition and the media," she said.

She then quoted a July 10 poll by ntv7 during its 8pm news broadcast, where 77 percent of viewers disagreed with a state Cabinet reshuffle.

"This is because they (respondents) were satisfied with the performance of the Selangor government under our menteri besar (Khalid Ibrahim)," said the Kinrara state rep.

This was an obvious reference to Azmin's earlier outburst last Thursday at the state assembly, where he called for a reshuffle of the state cabinet, revamp of the local councillor selection process and criticism of bureaucracy within the Selangor State Economic Council (MTES).

'Not a yes man'

Irked by the Kinrara rep’s remarks, Azmin tried to speak after Kok’s speech but was not given permission by Speaker Teng Chang Khim.

Refusing to heed Teng's orders for him to sit, Azmin held several news clippings and demanded an explanation from Kok.

azmin ali pc in parliament 020709 02 "I am not a 'yes man' like BN and Umno. What is wrong for the backbenchers club chair to speak (as) the conscience of the majority?" he asked.

Azmin said he has received a lot of public support over his remarks last Thursday and began to read a aloud a text message to prove his point.

"(The text message read) ‘Well done for raising this issues. We waited five months for a meeting (with an exco) this did not happen'. This is not my opinion, this is (a complaint) by the public," he added.

At a later point, Azmin said that he was not a member of the opposition and was merely sharing his concerns.

"Kinrara need not worry. I am faithful to the struggles of Pakatan Rakyat," he said.

Adamant about exco reshuffle

Speculation is rife that Azmin's verbal salvo was the result of internal rumblings within PKR and grassroots discontent with Khalid's leadership.

Earlier today, Azmin was cornered by reporters and asked to comment on rumours that party grassroots were trying to put him as menteri besar to replace Khalid.

Azmin, who is also PKR vice-president, replied with a curt, "No comment".

Asked to elaborate on his suggestion to reshuffle the exco lineup, Azmin said that a reshuffle does not mean having to sack any member.

"They can switch portfolios. This is up for the menteri besar to decide," he said, adding that he would respect whatever decision made by Khalid.

MB: Majority support us

khalid ibrahim selangor exco meeting on elizabeth wong issue 180209 02 At a press conference later, Khalid brushed off calls for a reshuffle, qualifying it with a survey commissioned by the state government two weeks ago which earned them a 65 percent approval rating.

"The majority of people in Selangor accept our administration," said Khalid, adding that the state government would continue to improve itself.

Meanwhile, Khalid urged Pakatan elected reps to attend the Selangor monthly Pakatan meeting in order to express their grievances.

Asked why Azmin did not use this forum instead, Khalid said the former had the right to use the state assembly which was also a suitable forum.

"The House is a reasonable forum," he said.