Selangor MB and state PKR chief Khalid Ibrahim finally addressed the criticisms raised throughout the party’s sixth annual congress, saying that he accepts the many suggestions from various wings of the party, including the harsh ones.

pkr bk convention khalid ibrahim broke down He added that he will bring the suggestions up to the state exco when they next meet on the coming Wednesday.

“Based on the suggestion of the party president, I have completed a proposal for a Pakatan Rakyat government integrity index last night,” he said in his wrapping-up speech.

Addressing the raised issues one-by-one, he also said that he will appoint an exco to oversee the party’s grassroots communications.

“I agree (to the suggestions), but we will have to talk with the party leadership on who this exco will be. We have to follow the procedures.

“But this exco will be from PKR,” he said to thunderous applause. Khalid was likely addressing grouses raised that there was a lack of party representation in the state administrative posts.

“I will also reform the state administration, so that the state assembly constituencies do not need an ‘exco angkat’ (adopted exco). Instead, I will appoint development officers.

‘Let’s talk not fight’

“But bear with me, if you are not happy, we can always talk internally. Let’s not fight in the open. That always takes up a lot of time,” he said, adding that it is a sensitive issue that needs to be carefully thought over.

pkr congress agm kota baru 300510 crowd Speaking calmly, the former corporate giant took the criticisms over the past days in stride.

Despite constant attacks during the congress in Kota Bharu, the MB never got into a spat with any of the delegates.

At one point in his wrap-up, Khaild was overcome with emotion, but held back his tears as he recounted the prayers for patience and guidance which he often recited before the start of each exco meeting held in Shah Alam each Wednesday.

Quoting an Islamic civilization leader Saidinah Ali, Khalid said, “When I was elected, I was not the best amongst you. So please guide me with criticisms.”

His gracious demeanour earned him a standing ovation at the end of his address, but it remains unclear if the delegates were entirely convinced by his 13-minute speech.

‘Young leaders rise’

Khalid in his address also called for more young leaders to rise up and take over, advising them to prepare themselves.

“But discipline is very important,” he cautioned.

pkr congress agm kota baru 300510 crowd The MB had come under intense fire during the congress particularly because Selangor is the only state governed by a PKR head.

During the sessions some had urged the replacement of errant state administrators with PKR members, while others had panned Khalid’s communications plan that they said did not convince the people adequately of his policies.

Of special concern was the constant threat of losing the state to the BN.