Selangor PKR has trained its guns on the Selangor state government for transferring two top state development corporation (PKNS) officials over the controversy surrounding Selangor PKR chief Azmin Ali's removal from the PKNS board.

In a statement today, Selangor PKR information chief Shuhaimi Shafiei ( left ), who is also the Sri Muda state assemblyperson, said that the transfer was akin to "punishment without trial".

"We consider this an embarrassing act (by the state government) and does not represent PKR as a principled and democratic party," he said.

Yesterday, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim announced that PKNS general manager Othman Omar and executive secretary Norita Mohd Sidek have been transferred, pending a probe into Azmin's removal from the board.

Shuhaimi said it was unreasonable for the two public servants to be transferred even before investigations are completed or a chance to defend themselves.

He said the party will defend the civil servants and accused the state government of complicating the situation.

"PKR upholds the principle of justice and the right of all civil servants involved (in this matter) to defend themselves and be investigated properly without being embarrassed," he said.

'Azmin not reinstated for now'

Sources close to Azmin had accused Khalid of dropping the PKR deputy president as a member of the PKNS board of directors.

Khalid had denied this, saying the decision was made by Othman.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Selangor state secretary Mohammed Khusrin Munawi denied reports that the decision to drop Azmin had been reversed.

"The Selangor government had never instructed PKNS to retract Azmin's termination of service which was effective Jan 8," he said.

He was referring to reports that the PKNS general manager had on Jan 16 sent a letter to Azmin informing him that he had been reinstated. "This is untrue," he said.

Mohammed Khusrin said Azmin's position will be discussed during the Selangor exco meeting on Jan 22 and the investigation over the circumstances of his dismissal is ongoing.

‘Collateral damage’

In another statement, MCA central committee member Ei Kim Hock said Selangor should not be bringing party infighting into PKNS.

“This is collateral damage and both the general manager and executive secretary have become sacrifial lambs, thanks to PKR’s infighting.

“We all know it well that this is party infighting and nothing more and they should not take their war to the state corporation.

“I hope they will be able to separate it from their infighting,” he said.