PKR infighting: Khalid is going for deputy’s post

PETALING JAYA - Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today confirmed that he would be challenging for the PKR deputy president’s post in the coming party polls.

He made the announcement after holding a meeting with his supporters at his residence last night.

His announcement puts him in a direct fight with incumbent Azmin Ali.

The meeting was held to gauge his support in the party and Khalid made his announcement mid way his speech. He however urged his supporters to work hard to ensure victory in the Kajang polls first.

Earlier today, Khalid’s press secretary Arfa’eza Aziz and political secretary Faekah Husin admitted that the menteri besar would be holding a meeting at his residence with PKR leaders tonight, but said the Selangor MB would not be meeting the media.

Faekah said she was not aware of any press conference or announcement but had been told only to order food.

“Even if it is true, I don’t think Khalid will announce tonight because he is someone who makes sure everything is settled and in order before going public.

“Right now he is too pre-occupied with the Kajang by-election and water issue. I do not see him campaigning to rally for support.

“I don’t think Khalid will announce without making sure that he will win or at least put up a good fight,” she said.

Khalid is said to be making the move because as menteri besar he is seen as the most qualified candidate to challenge Azmin who is the incumbent deputy president.

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar would not contest the deputy’s post because her father Anwar Ibrahim is standing for the presidency, a party source told FMT.

“It is to avoid PKR being seen as a family-run party,” the source added.

Should Khalid stand against Azmin, it would be the major showdown between the two after years of conflict.

Azmin has been critical of Khalid’s administration and has taken the menteri besar to task over the construction of Langat II water treatment plant, sacking of 22 contract workers from state-owned PKNS Holdings Bhd and over the state budget.

Azmin was said to be eying the menteri besar’s post after the last general election and Khalid recently removed him as the PKNS board member.

Nominations for the central leadership posts is on March 29 and April 4 to April 13 for divisions.

The voting process is from April 25 to May 11 involving state by state.

The polls for the divisions and top posts will be held simultaneously and the results announced on May 12 or May 13.

By Leven Woon