Anwar explains why Khalid won't show up.
“He is now in Kuala Selangor for a programme there,” Anwar told The Malaysian Insider.
“He will be here shortly.”
An aide to the embattled Selangor mentri besar was similarly evasive when contacted.
“His functions are all private. He will go to the retreat to close it,” the aide wrote in a text to The Malaysian Insider.
Khalid is also the party's state chief.
PKR has been thrown into disarray since two of the party’s lawmakers recently confirmed that a “coup” to remove Khalid from office was being led by Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Abbas, who has denied the accusation.
The alleged revolt is believed to have started from Azmin Ali’s resignation from PKNS three days ago.
Khalid has dismissed the revolt as mere speculation.
Azmin yesterday downplayed rumours that he is party to an anti-Khalid faction within PKR.
“We never said that Tan Sri Khalid should be fired. No. The leadership and I merely feel that the chief minister and his exco must give serious attention to the advice given by party members in Kota Bharu,” he had said.
PKR leaders at the retreat have repeatedly denied that the alleged coup will be discussed behind closed doors.
However, PKR vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub hinted yesterday that Anwar might make talk to the media about the issue today.
It is understood that the PKR retreat, attended by 80 or so party leaders, was convened to discuss preparations for the upcoming general election and this November’s party elections.
The monthly PKR central leadership council meeting will also be held this afternoon.
Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Khalid’s former political secretary, have both confirmed that the Selangor mentri besar will attend the central leadership council meeting this afternoon.
Nik Nazmi, who recently moved to Anwar's office, said Khalid had dropped by the hotel late last night, but had not been noticed by the media.
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