Replacing MB not like changing village chief, says PAS over decision delay

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said the reason the Islamist party is taking an extra week to decide on the Selangor menteri besar (MB) crisis is that changing an MB is not like changing a village chief. – The Malaysian Insider pic, August 14, 2014.

PAS is taking an extra week to decide a change in the Selangor menteri besar's post as it is not as simple as changing a village chief, vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said today.

The Islamist party has been widely criticised for delaying its decision whether Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim should remain as Selangor MB, although a PKR proposal was made on July 23 for its party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to take the post.

"PAS is purposely taking more time, not a month but just a week to reach a decision on the issue of replacing the Selangor Menteri Besar. We are talking about the Menteri Besar's post, the number one job in the administration of a state," he said in a statement today.

"We don't want to change a village chief. This is about changing a Menteri Besar."

Dr Wan Azizah today revealed proof that she had the backing of 30 assemblypersons from PKR, DAP and PAS to take the job.

But, Khalid has refused, saying the majority must be decided in a state assembly sitting.

The next state assembly sitting is scheduled for November.

Salahuddin called on those involved in the crisis to set aside emotions and focus on defending Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor. 

"We should not be rushing in making decisions but should adopt a deliberate cautious approach." 

Salahuddin said the party was still weighing several factors before reaching a decision that was fair and beneficial to everyone, including the state, the people, the palace, and those embroiled in the crisis.

"After all, we must continue to uphold the principle of justice in Pakatan."

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- TMI