KLANG, Sept 23 ― Newly-appointed Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali said today he would not be controlled by anyone and would only be guided by the state constitution and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) policies.
“I am guided by the constitution and the policies approved by Pakatan Rakyat that have yet to be implemented,” Azmin told reporters at a news conference shortly after his swearing-in ceremony here this morning.
He was asked whether he would be controlled by certain parties, just like how allegations have been made against PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would be a “remote-controlled” MB if she had been appointed.
“Let us move on the decision has been made. I have taken my oath so I will work closely with all parties to ensure what was promised to the people is given,” the Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman said.
An audio recording of the press conference was made available to Malay Mail Online.
PKR deputy president Azmin, who was sworn in this morning as Selangor’s 15th mentri besar, takes over from Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who held the post for more than six years from 2008.
Azmin’s appointment puts an end to a protracted crisis which has pitted Pakatan Rakyat (PR) allies PKR, DAP and PAS against each other.
Khalid’s administration has long been criticised as “stingy” by his critics, especially those aligned with Azmin.
Before politics, Khalid was a technocrat who made his name in the corporate world, heading, among others, state fund manager Permodalan Nasional Bhd and Guthrie Group Bhd.
Azmin, 50, who is Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman and Gombak MP, was sworn in before the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, in the Throne Room of the Istana Alam Shah at 10.42am today.
