PETALING JAYA, Aug 9 ― PKR, so far unable to unseat MB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim from his job as the mentri besar of Selangor, has expelled him from the party.
The decision today by PKR’s disciplinary committee to cut Khalid adrift deepens the crisis over who will lead Malaysia’s richest state without bringing resolution any closer. Khalid remains in his job for now amid growing concerns that the three-party Pakatan Rakyat coalition which governs Selangor may soon fall apart.
It also worsens concerns that the three-party Pakatan Rakyat coalition which governs Selangor may soon fall apart.
A statement from the committee said the decision to dump Khalid was based on his refusal to step down from his post, adding that the verdict was unanimous and takes effect immediately.
Khalid's “open defiance to the party and Pakatan Rakyat” led to today’s decision,
PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told reporters at a news conference following the announcement.
The Pakatan Rakyat coalition which governs Selangor has not been able to reach consensus whether Khalid must step down. PKR wants him replaced by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. DAP agrees but Islamist party PAS continues to back Khalid.
Today's decision to sack Khalid from the party comes ahead of a PAS meeting on August 17 to decide its final stand.
But Saifuddin denied that Khalid's sacking is meant to pressure PAS to withdraw its backing for Khalid as Selangor's top leader.
Khalid’s sacking leaves the coalition in a precarious state and will add to worries that snap polls may have to be called to ward off a stalemate.
PKR’s share of the 56 seat Selangor state assembly drops to 13 from 14. Its allies DAP and PAS have 15 seats each while Umno, the opposition in the state, has 12.
It is still not known if Khalid will join any other party or will simply become the lone independent assemblyman.
Khalid has 14 days to attempt an appeal. PKR’s top council will then decide there are enough grounds for an appeal and form a special committee accordingly.
PKR central leadership member Sivarasa Rasiah said Khalid's attempt to block the disciplinary committee meeting via his lawyers was irrelevant.
"To us, due process has been fulfilled. Natural justice has been carried out. He already has the chance to reply to the party's accusations," he said.
He said Khalid must quit as he no longer has the backing of the majority in the state assembly.
"To me, he has no choice. He should resign immediately and tell the Sultan of his reality and give his reasons for quitting," said Sivarasa, who was also present at the announcement of Khalid's sacking.
