January 18, 2012
SHAH ALAM, Jan 18 — Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has taken charge of Islamic affairs in a reshuffle of Selangor executive council portfolios which he said today was agreed to by PAS.
The move comes after Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi was sworn in this morning to replace Datuk Hasan Ali in the state executive council.
PAS will only retain the Malay customs portfolio while Hasan’s responsibilities in infrastructure and public amenities have also been taken on by the Mentri Besar.
“We did not ignore PAS’s opinion. We referred to their leadership and said in the interest of the state and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) we should change.
“Dr Yunus’ appointment received the blessing of PAS leadership and Dr Rani,” he said, referring to Selangor PAS’s proposal that state chief Dr Abd Rani Osman should take over from Hasan.
When asked at a press conference if PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang gave his blessing, Khalid (picture) replied “I spoke to him.”
The Bandar Tun Razak MP explained that the decision was made to “ensure continuity” in the Selangor administration as both the state secretary and legal advisor were also members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), the state’s authorities on Islamic affairs.
“This will allow me to monitor developments,” he said.
Dr Abd Rani also told reporters that he was “very happy and thanked God” for the reshuffle which also sees him being appointed as chairman for the Selangor Micro Credit Scheme for Rural Poor (Skimsel).
“It’s okay. Tan Sri Khalid said he will ask PAS for advice if there are any issues,” the Meru assemblyman said when asked how PAS felt about giving up the Islamic affairs portfolio.
Selangor PAS had recommended state chief Dr Abd Rani Osman for the Islamic affairs portfolio vacated by Hasan.
Selangor PAS secretary Mohd Khairuddin Othman had denied yesterday rumours of a rift with the palace likely to scupper Dr Abd Rani’s candidacy to succeed Hasan.
Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia had reported yesterday that Dr Abd Rani was facing difficulties in gaining the Sultan’s agreement for his appointment due to issues such as getting state authorisation to teach Islam and his criticism over the distribution of the Selangor Islamic Council’s (MAIS) zakat aid to the Perlis government.
In Malaysia, those who wish to teach Islam must get proper authorisation or “tauliah” from the individual state authorities.
Dr Yunus will also takes over youth and sports as he was formerly assistant to the executive councillor in charge.
Khalid also told reporters that Hasan had sent him a letter on January 10 stating that it was premature to replace him.
“I replied to him saying the decision to drop him was made following his sacking from PAS on January 8. The letter from the PAS committee confirmed the decision and the issue of an appeal was not mentioned,” the Ijok assemblyman said.
Khalid also announced today that Bandar Baru Bangi assemblyman Shafie Abu Bakar, who Dr Abd Rani had personally backed for the executive council post, would be made chairman Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Body Corporation (Padat).
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