Anwar: "Yes, I'll be MB if Kajang is won"

PETALING JAYA - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim admitted that PKR created the by-election in Kajang to pave the way for him to become the Selangor menteri besar while consolidating Pakatan's hold in Selangor.

Other than a stronger economic foundation, he said Selangor also needed powerful economic force to stabilize Pakatan state administration to ensure the well-being of the residents.

He admitted problems did exist within PKR, but not to an extent that a by-election had to be created to resolve the conflicts within the party.

"I don't deny I'll become the Selangor MB if I win the by-election, but now our focus is on the by-election. We'll win the state seat first before talking about other things."

He told Sin Chew Daily during an exclusive interview that Khalid has in principle agreed to pass on the MB post to him, but would not make any announcement as yet due to some sensitive factors.

"It's not yet time. We'll make the announcement after we win the by-election.

"We need to go by the procedures and respect the prevailing system and laws. We'll only talk about the MB post and make recommendation to the Sultan after the by-election."

Stronger political force needed

Citing Pakatan's flop in Kedah in GE13, Anwar said Pakatan needs a stronger political force.

"We don't want Selangor to go down the way of Kedah. Of course we should not compare Khalid's performance with that of the former Kedah MB. People have high expectations from the state government. After Selangor provides free water for its residents, people will keep expecting more.

"The Chinese people in particular want the state government to introduce more business-friendly policies. People will get frustrated if the state government becomes stagnant because the federal government keeps making things tough for us.

"I'll be very shocked if we don't get the support of the Chinese voters."

Anwar said Khalid has contributed significantly towards the state economy and if he were to assume the post of menteri besar, he would appoint Khalid as the state economic advisor.

"He is well familiar with how the economy operates in the state, and has had an excellent track record in fixing the state's economy. He is best person to be the state economic advisor."

Anwar has said on various occasions that Khalid is still very much needed in the state administration, but this is the first time he talks about the possible role Khalid will assume after unloading his duties as the Selangor MB.

After a lapse of 15 years, Anwar is preparing to seek a mandate to become PKR's president in the March party elections, taking over from his wife Datin Seri Wan Azizah to lead the party.

"Azizah has wanted to leave long ago as she is somehow not a real politician. She wants to have more time to do the things she likes and to take care of our grandchildren.

"I'm still considering the party's proposal (to take over the presidency) but I think I will very likely accept it."

Anwar told Sin Chew Daily he hoped his takeover of PKR presidency would help consolidate the party's strength and unity and to foster closer relationship with the Pakatan allies, namely DAP and PAS.

Translated by Dominic Loh, Sin Chew Daily