By Teoh El Sen and Rahmah Ghazali
UPDATED AT 4.59PM PETALING JAYA: The resignation of PKR vice-president Azmin Ali as a board member of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) yesterday was part of a simmering animosity with Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.
A source close to the Menteri Besar said Azmin has been "plotting to undermine" Khalid's leadership from the beginning and, in the past month, had been pushing for his "own people" to be placed in state government-linked companies.
Azmin, who is largely seen as attempting to unseat Khalid, was also unhappy with the way the Menteri Besar had been governing the state, especially when decisions were made without consulting party leaders.
However, the source said that Khalid had felt it was unnecessary for state matters to be discussed with the party.
"It is his view that not all state matters should be brought up to the party. Furthermore, Khalid has regular meetings with party leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Selangor economic adviser," said the source.
However, Khalid's stand not to take instructions has clearly upset Azmin and the last straw is believed to have come in the form of the appointment of Faekah Hussin as Khalid's new political secretary to replace Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Azmin was apparently unhappy that the appointment of the Faekah, who will move from being PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's political secretary to Khalid's effective July 1, was done without consultation with party leaders.
Those at Azmin's camp had termed Faekah's appointment as a sign of Khalid's "arrogance".
Appointment was a state matter
In Khalid's defence, the source said that there was no actual need to consult party leaders as Faekah had informed Wan Azizah herself of the appointment and the green light was given.
“This was mentioned by Faekah herself on Tuesday night when her announcement was made by Khalid at a media event,” said the source.
"If Faekah is good enough to be political secretary to the party president, then she should be good enough for the Menteri Besar, so what is the problem?" asked the source.
“And in any event, it is a state matter... and a state appointment. Why must the state consult the party?”
The source said that Khalid decided to bring in a new political secretary after finding out of moves being made in the party to bring over Nik Nazmi to the party headquarters.
“Khalid has also never complained about Nik Nazmi. Whatever grouses there were, they were all from other parties,” added the source.
Previously, rumours were rife that Nik Nazmi, who is expected to take over the post of PKR communication director replacing incumbent Jonson Chong, had quit after a fall-out with Khalid but the latter denied the allegation.
"The only problem is that certain people in the party are eyeing the Menteri Besar's post and they are going all out to bring Khalid down, " said the source.
Khalid meanwhile said in a statement issued later today that Azmin's resignation will be brought before the PKNS' board of directors for consideration.
He said that Azmin was appointed to the post for a two-year term beginning Feb 10, 2009. His term is to expire on February 2011. He added that he will not be commenting on the matter until the board has decided on the resignation.
Azmin: If I wanted to, I would have toppled him earlier
Meanwhile, Azmin denied that he was masterminding a plot to topple Khalid, saying if he had wanted to do so, he would not have waited so long.
“If I wanted to pull him down, I would have done it after March 8 general election. Why now? His term is expiring soon, so why now? If that was my game, I should have done it before,” he said.
The PKR vice-president also denied that his resignation from the PKNS board had anything to do with Khalid.
“I believe I have done my part. Let the menteri besar decide on a new appointment. I have contributed some ideas, now we should let others to play a role in the state government,” he said.
Azmin assured that he would still take part in state programmes to strengthen PKR's presence in Selangor.
The PKR vice-president also dismissed the speculation that he was sore about Faekah's new appointment.
However, he hinted that Khalid should have consulted the party leaders first.
“During the (recent) party congress, most delegates emphasised that Selangor must work hand in hand with party members and leaders. That is my concern, there must be a form of understanding between the state and party leaderships,” he said.
However, Azmin said that he was certain Khalid had taken note of this issue.
Plotters getting ready
Meanwhile, it is also learnt that at least 15 PKR MPs are ready to throw their weight behind Azmin to oust Khalid.
“We cannot tolerate Khalid any more and want him removed,” one of the MPs was quoted as saying in thestar online today. The MP declined to be named.
When FMT spoke to some PKR MPs who were not in the anti-Khalid faction, they said the plot sent a signal that Khalid should be more in touch with the party leaders.
However they disagreed with the move to oust him.
Also read:
