Hadi Backs Khalid

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has delivered a blow to PKR by throwing his weight behind embattled Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

According to Bernama, he said Khalid had not betrayed the trust given by the people.

"That is my stand and I hope all PAS leaders are with me," he said, adding that the decision was made after considering the views of majority of the PAS grassroots.

He said majority of PAS grassroots agreed that Khalid should remain as menteri besar.

However, this would depend on the sultan of Selangor, he told reporters when met at his house in Marang, Terengganu.

PKR had nominated its president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to replace Khalid, a move which is believed to have the backing of DAP as well.

Hadi said Khalid's track record, in helming Selangor, and retaining the state in the 13th general election could not be denied, despite problems in Pakatan Rakyat.

He said he could not accept the grounds given by some quarters in wanting Khalid to step down.

"If he is involved in a scandal, breach of trust, misappropriation of government funds, then we can change, but if it is because of other reasons, it is not by changing the menteri besar.

"Let him complete his term," he was quoted as saying.

Asked on the possibility of PAS inviting Khalid to join the party, Hadi said PAS had no intention of doing so.

"That is not our way and since the beginning, although we have 15 seats, which is more than PKR, we give PKR the menteri besar seat because we already have the (menteri besar) seat in Kelantan.

"That shows the spirit of cooperation in Pakatan Rakyat," he added.

from Malaysiakini