Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim has joined forces with a newly formed group of Selangor PKR grassroots leaders in calling for Anwar Ibrahim to be made party president and incumbent president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as his deputy.

NONE Khalid ( right ) made his stand known when he attended a function in Klang this morning, organised by the group which calls itself the Majlis Muafakat Kepimpinan Keadilan Selangor (Selangor Keadilan Leadership Consensus Council).

"I am part of it," said Khalid to reporters during a press conference after the function.

The group had emerged last week, with its leaders mostly comprising of party leaders at the divisional level advocating for Anwar and Wan Azizah to fill the top two posts.

If this is not possible, the group wants Wan Azizah and her deputy Syed Husin Ali to defend their posts.

This, according to council chairperson Syed Shahir Syed Mahamud, is to avoid weakening the party by open intercine warfare during the party elections.

"We cannot give opportunities for our enemies to weaken us," said the Kelana Jaya PKR branch chief.

In his speech before about 120 PKR grassroots leaders, Khalid said that while it is important for PKR to practise democracy, it is more important to ensure that only capable leaders are elected.

He likened the group's efforts to that of the musyawarah held after the death of Prophet Muhammad, by his companions to elect a leader from among themselves and avoid unhealthy contests.

NONE While he did not actually voice it, the unhealthy contest he is referring to, may be the burgeoning behind-the-scenes campaigning and lobbying which is taking place between party veep Azmin Ali and Federal Territory chief Zaid Ibrahim ( left ) for the party's Number Two spot.

Asked if the guidance to be given by the loose coalition of party grassroots leaders is similar to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's concept of guided democracy or demokrasi terpimpin , Khalid said that their version is unique as it comes with an oath and pledge.

"I would like to see Mahathir take this pledge and make Umno leaders uphold it," quipped the MB.

No dirty tricks

The oath taken by all those present at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri function today includes that they will refrain from resorting to dirty tactics and defaming each other during the campaign.

Quizzed on the effectiveness of the pledges with the absence of major party figures like Azmin and Zaid, Khalid indicated that they will address that in due course.

"This is just the first phase," said the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentarian.

parliament pakatan pc on mtuc 031208 syed shahir Syed Shahir (left) who was also at the press conference, chimed in that they will first convince the grassroots and then work their way up from there to the top leadership.

Asked if he is running for any posts in the upcoming party elections Khalid said that he is, but refused to divulge for what level or position specifically.

"That is what we are here to musyawarah (discuss) about," he said coyly.

However party insiders have said that Khalid will concentrate on Selangor and its development as the flagship PKR model state and will not contest a central leadership post or get too involved in state level party politics, after having handed the reins to Azmin recently.

This may see him defending his branch chief post, although he may not run for state or central posts.

This council can be seen as a backlash from party grassroots, many of whom are disappointed with the fiery campaigning, fearing that PKR may yet walk down the Umno route and be torn by internal strife.

Khalid joining their ranks will give extra ammunition for the group to push their non-contention agenda for the top  posts, given the MB's considerable popular support from the Selangor rakyat if not the party leadership.

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