Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he is not slighted about attempts to replace him as the state's chief executive officer.

 

In fact, Khalid appeared upbeat about the prospect of spending more time with his grandchildren if attempts to replace him succeed.

 

"I am not (slighted). This is part of politics and I joined PKR because of reformasi.

 

"I am also excited about this. It could be that in the coming year I can rest with my grandchildren," he told journalists at a buka puasa event in Kuang tonight.

 

In a statement earlier today, Khalid stressed he still helms the state and those who want him out must follow the due process.

Previously, Khalid had remained adamant on remaining as MB but his latest statement, however, appears to be rather ambiguous.

One thing for certain is that his latest response to the crisis lacked the often repeated statement that he wanted to serve his second term as MB until the next general election.

This indicates that Khalid somewhat acknowledges that his days as MB are numbered.

Stating that he "respects" PKR's decision to propose party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ( right ) as his replacement, Khalid said he is still MB until the former is sworn in.

As such, he would fulfill his role as an MB "legitimately elected by the people of Selangor".

"I stand by the Selangor constitution which details the specific procedures on the appointment and replacement of the menteri besar.

"I believe those who are involved in this effort (to replace me) need to go through these processes to achieve their goal," he added.

Khalid also assured that the ongoing tussle would not affect the state's administration and investments.

 

Rigid management style

His statement comes after PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim announced after a party meeting that PKR was in favour of Wan Azizah, who is his wife, to replace Khalid.

 

Anwar's statement which came after midnight was the most public and direct yet that PKR wants Khalid out.

 

PKR and DAP have grown increasingly impatient with Khalid over his rigid style of management.

 

They are particularly upset at his handling of the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) controversy and the confiscation of copies of the Bible by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais).

 

However, PAS, particularly in Selangor, still appears to be supportive of the embattled menteri besar.

In a late statement, Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Samad reminded all PAS members to concentrate on providing service to the people and not get distracted talks of a new MB.

"Be it executive council members, assemblyersons, local council members, village chiefs, mosque and surau committee leadrs or those holding any position should continue to serve the people dilligently," he said.

The state executive councillor also urged that all programmes scheduled go on as usual.

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