Azmin replaces Khalid as S'gor PKR chief

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid and Teoh El Sen - Free Malaysia Today

FULL REPORT SHAH ALAM: PKR vice-president Azmin Ali has been named as the party's new Selangor chief replacing incumbent, Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

Whereas supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim has been named the Federal Territories chief while Chua Jui Meng is expected to helm the Johor chapter.


Azmin's appointment confirmed speculations that PKR was concerned about its fate in Selangor come the next general election.

Critics have claimed that Khalid has been unable to woo grassroots support despite having led the state for more than two years now.

Azmin, the influential right hand man of PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim, has always been touted as the best candidate to bridge that gap.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the party retreat at a hotel here, Azmin said he was prepared to take on the task.

"I am ready, Khalid would focus on the state and I would concentrate on the party and we would effectively work as a team," said the Gombak MP.

The party's reason for appointing Azmin was to allow Khalid to focus on the state's development and investments, including projects in Kuala Lumpur.

Khalid: Azmin's got the skills

Meanwhile, Khalid himself conceded that he was a political greenhorn.

"I have a lot to do with the state. The party has recognised my experience in handling such things but my experience in politics is less. Azmin is the best man, with the skills for it," he said.

Aside from Azmin, other appointments announced today were Badrulamin Bahron as the new information director in the MB's office and two other special aides to Khalid, Azman Zainal Abidin and Rozali Bol Hi.

Badrulamin, an uztaz, will be part of the party's strategy for winning over the rural Malay folk.

In announcing the appointments earlier, party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said two other states would be restructured.

Meanwhile, Anwar was quizzed on whether he would contest for the top post, which was being held by his wife.

"I cannot bring myself to (do that)," he said, looking at Wan Azizah with a smile.

However, he stressed that PKR was a democratic party and others were welcomed to contest the post if they wanted to.

The opposition leader also explained that the retreat's main agenda was on how the party could win in the next general election.

As for Khalid, he said that delegates were unequivocal in their support for him as menteri besar but the party has taken into consideration all the views expressed.