In a recent email statement, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said: “On the basis of democratic principles cherished and promoted almost aggressively by PR (Pakatan Rakyat), the MB candidate should be either from Pas or DAP.”
“By rule, Pas automatically has to provide the MB if democratic principles do still matter to them (opposition) and is still observed by them.”
He was commenting on a statement made by Pas secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali who said that the party central leadership will not demand for the MB post even though Pas Selangor managed to secure 15 state seats, one seat ahead of PKR who secured 14 seats during the 13th General Election.
“We (Pas) had never suggested, nor demanded for the post. We (Pakatan Rakyat) have agreed that the current MB should remain in office (Selangor MB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim).”
Earlier, Abdul Khalid reportedly said the opposition coalition had a week to decide on who will become the state’s next MB as all three component parties managed to obtain two-thirds majority in Selangor in last week’s election.
It is understood that a non-Malay candidate cannot be appointed to the post of MB as the state constitution requires a Malay candidate whose religion is Islam.
Prior to this, Abdul Khalid and PKR’s vice-president Azmin Ali were said to be squabbling over the MB post.
However, Pas Selangor commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman in a news report said he was ready to become MB if Pakatan’s top leaders wanted him to do so.
When asked to comment on whether Dr Rani should be given a chance to become MB or should Abdul Khalid be re-appointed as MB, Shamsul Amri stated, “I am sure both are capable leaders, except Khalid has had a five year experience.”
“Naturally, everyone wants an experienced leader to continue, however, it is also good to give another leader a turn to rule the ‘rich Selangor'.”
“In the name of fairness and social justice that PR strongly embraces, Dr Rani obviously should be given a chance,” he added in the statement.
Another analyst, Professor Dr. Ahmad Atory Hussain from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said that it was only proper that a Pas candidate be given a chance to become MB as the party had won 15 seats compared to PKR which won 14 seats.
“Although the post should have gone to Pas despite only winning one seat more than PKR, the coalition had chosen to retain Khalid.”
“I myself was shocked with the decision, however, they could have signed a deal among themselves to appoint a candidate from Pas for the MB post a few years down the road.”
Ahmad Atory said should Abdul Khalid be re-appointed as MB, there will be no more fighting for the post between Khalid and Azmin.
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