PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim still plays a crucial role in strengthening the state and Pakatan Rakyat as Selangor economic advisor, Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali said.

He said this when asked if he is being overshadowed by Anwar as claimed by National Profesor’s Council (MPN) political science cluster chief Mustafa Ishak.

"That is Mustafa’s view. Anwar still plays an important role, by giving crucial advice to the state government and Pakatan Rakyat. He plays a very big role in strengthening Pakatan.

"I have worked with Anwar for a long time and his views will be considered in the party, Pakatan and the state, in his role as economic advisor," he said.

Azmin (right) was met after the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTEM) at the Selangor state secretariat building in Shah Alam.

 

Anwar’s position in the state came under the spotlight last month after his ‘datuk seri’ title was stripped by the Selangor sultan.

The palace said that the title was revoked as Anwar had questioned the integrity of the royal institution and the sultan during the Selangor menteri besar crisis.

Tensions between PKR’s top leadership and the palace emerged after the party initiated the ‘Kajang Move’ – the term used for the coup against then MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

PKR insisted in only nominating its president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as replacement, when the palace asked for more than one nominee to choose from.

Dr Wan Azizah withdrew her nomination when the palace appointed party deputy president Azmin instead for the post.