Anwar says 'no' to party appointees in state GLCs

(The Sun Daily) - A PKR delegate from Selangor today proposed for state Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to help groom "potential" party leaders through appointing them to positions in government-linked companies.

PKR Selangor information chief Shuhaimi Shafie, in his debate at the 9th PKR National Congress, said the move should also be extended to all Pakatan Rakyat-controlled states.

"We are however against any attempt by appointed leaders to abuse the positions as a means to enrich themselves," he stressed.

Shuhaimi's proposal was made in support of a call made by PKR deputy president Mohamad Azmin Ali, and echoed by many leaders throughout the congress proceedings, on the need for the party to strengthen its members and the organisation.

Shuhaimi also said that PKR now have garnered enough clout after helming the Selangor state administration for five years to take actions against individuals within the local councils and GLCs who are not in line with the party's policies or struggle.

"With the new mandate, we should be free to axe those in GLCs and local authorities who don't believe in our party policies and struggles," he said.

He also hit out at unnamed leaders whom he claimed had failed to execute decisions reached in the party's Congress or meetings, stressing that actions should also be taken against them.

Meanwhile, PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his closing speech later reminded delegates that positions in GLCs are not reserved for party members or politicians.

"Those who are appointed must have the relevant capabilities and not mix up party matters with that of governance.

"Maybe that was not the intention (to demand for positions), but I feel that I must clarify the matter," said Anwar who had also described Abdul Khalid as a leader with "integrity" in his running of the state.

He also said he had reminded Abdul Khalid to be mindful of the people's plight, as it is also an integral part of practising good governance.

When met later, Anwar reiterated that any individuals appointed to positions within the local councils or GLCs must be qualified to do so and not due to party connections.

Earlier in his winding up address, Abdul Khalid had pledged to fully utilise the state's funds in order to bring development to more villages.

"I know that I am stingy but this is how I was raised by my mother who always reminded me to be careful with money that does not belong to me.

"However, I do understand that the money should be spent in order to develop the villages in the state to bridge the gap between the rich and poor," he said.

He also promised to only spend the state's wealth according to the needs of the people.

Abdul Khalid, who is in his second term as Selangor MB is also looking to increase the wealth of the state under his administration.

"I am looking forward to increase Selangor's capital and also will focus on finding individuals who had misused the state's money, and ensure that it is returned back to us," he said.

Abdul Khalid however concedes that unlike other politicians, he does not know how to play the political game.

"Politics is an ever-changing game and I am too old to study the field in university.

"That is why I set up a political liaison office within the Mentri Besar's office to help me on the matter," he added.