Selangor’s hobbling Lone Ranger

Selangor is saved by two PAS 'Hang Jebats' from being brought to its knees by a Lone Ranger.

COMMENT

By Stephen Ng

It appears that the embattled Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) is now checkmated, with 30 state assemblymen already standing by Dr Wan Azizah as the next Menteri Besar.

What a breath of fresh air!!

While most of us still believe Khalid did a good job before 2013, we do not want him to run the state of Selangor for another day.

As soon as this saga is over, I hope the new state government will be formed and new blood brought in to help run the state.

Khalid’s two faces

Khalid has a lot to explain to the people of Selangor now that he is trapped by his own words.

When challenged by former Bersih 2.0 chairman, Ambiga Sreeneevasan in an earlier statement, Khalid said it was not necessary for him to show proof he had the support of the majority in the state assembly.

Now, with 30 state assembly persons standing in solidarity with Kak Wan, Khalid says it is necessary for her to hold a vote of no-confidence against him despite a photograph of her with her supporters that states everything clearly.

Talk about double standards. It does look like Khalid is buying time.

I believe the Sultan’s mandate to Khalid was only temporary, and that the Sultan would not go against the people’s mandate for a Pakatan government to be formed in Selangor, with or without Khalid Ibrahim.

In my opinion, Kak Wan only has to present the letter of support from all 30 state assembly persons to the Sultan, and the outcome will be obvious.

The modern Hang Jebats

I urge more PAS state assembly persons to now state their stand, whether they choose to allow Pakatan to run the State or otherwise.

After all, PAS state assembly persons went to the polls using the Pakatan platform; therefore, they have an obligation to the people who voted for them.

I salute both PAS assembly persons Hasnul Baharuddin (Morib) and Saari Sungib (Hulu Kelang). In the context of what is happening in Selangor, they are the modern Hang Jebats.

Although some may take the opportunity to say that they have ‘derhaka’ (betrayed) the party, their action has helped save Selangor from being dragged down by a Lone Ranger.

PAS will only be making its decision on August 17. The people of Selangor are getting impatient with PAS for dragging its feet and allowing the controversy to drag.

What Saari and Hasnul have done is basically save Pakatan from collapse, and in the process, save their party, PAS from being ostracised by Selangorians.

Like Hang Jebat, they are the white knights in shining armour. PAS needs people like them who see the bigger picture instead of becoming a problem to the problem.

I hope more PAS assemblymen will also come forward to support the new state government to be formed.