PAS issues gag order on Selangor MB issue, says report

PAS has issued a gag order on its leaders at all levels from discussing openly Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s position as Selangor menteri besar as cracks emerged over the party’s stand on the matter, reported Harakahdaily.

The PAS mouthpiece quoted PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali as calling on its members to wait for the outcome of its August 10 meeting where a decision on Khalid's position will be made.

"There have been many statements issued on the matter, some of which resulted in personal attacks among PAS leaders," Mustafa was quoted as saying by Harakahdaily.

"All members should remember to conduct themselves in a civilised manner. Any differences of opinion ?should be discussed in an appropriate manner.”

Mustafa appealed to party members and leaders to stop discussing the Khalid issue in public as it could lead to the party's credibility and reputation being tarnished.

The gag order comes after PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had endorsed Khalid as menteri besar after the Pakatan Rakyat presidential council had agreed to replace him with Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Hadi was countered by his deputy, Mohamad Sabu, who said that it was merely the former Terengganu MB's "personal view".

Its influential spiritual leader, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, also backed Hadi.

The developments prompted PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to issue a terse statement saying the party would stick to PR's decision that Khalid had to make way for Dr Wan Azizah.

Khalid, a former corporate captain, was appointed MB six years ago after PKR and its allies scored a shock win over Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state in the 2008 general election.

But he has often been accused by his detractors of running the state without consulting his party, PKR, and the Pakatan leadership.

He had also been criticised for his handling of issues, such as water rationing, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department's seizure of Malay and Iban Bibles and support for the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex), which upset some Pakatan leaders as it was seen as going against the pact's election manifesto to abolish tolled highways.

Khalid, meanwhile, remained adamant that he would serve out his term. – July 29, 2014.