Despite red flags raised among party leaders over Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's statement that he is more open to criticism from the rakyat than from other leaders, he has earned praise from Federal Territories (FT) PAS Youth.

"We see Abdul Khalid as a role model who should be emulated by other state leaders," said the wing's deputy chief, Mohamad Suhaimi Abdul Aziz.

Mohamad said there were few leaders who were willing to be openly criticised by the rakyat.

He urged the people of Selangor to share their constructive thoughts and criticisms with the state government.

NONEYesterday, Abdul Khalid had reportedly said that he was open to criticism but would emphasise more on criticism coming from the rakyat than from other leaders.

The remark drew concern from certain Pakatan Rakyat leaders, with Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo (left) saying that politicians represented the people and had a duty to bring their needs to the Menteri Besar.

Abdul Khalid had made the comments in response to PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who had complained about the Menteri Besar's stinginess in spending the massive state reserves.

The state's reserves has hit a total of more than RM3 billion.

However, Abdul Khalid's political secretary Faekah Husin had defended her boss, pointing out the state had spent some RM1 billion on welfare and also has plans on spending the reserves.

Among the examples, she said, were the construction of a third bridge to Klang as well as a hospital there and a state-wide water restructuring exercise.