The Kajang by-election issue has sparked polemics from various parties, from the common man to political practitioners. This has caused many eyes to be focused on Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the Chief Minister of Selangor. Follow the interview with him.
How will Anwar’s win change politics in Selangor?
Anwar has long been in the political arena. Now is the time to assess his ability, in preparation for the 14th General Election (GE14) and the Sarawak state election.
If we can show continued and increased support, the at the GE14, we will have a better chance in winning.
In the last election, we (PR) won more single votes from the BN coalition. Unfortunately, because of seat allocation, BN won more seats than Pakatan.
Through the steps we are taking, not only can we win more of the people’s votes, but also increase the number of seats to allow us to win enough parliamentary seats to form the Malaysian government.
How will Anwar contribute to developments in Selangor?
Anwar was the Finance Minister for 8 to 9 years. Therefore, he has great understanding on budgetary measures and the financial situation in Malaysia.
By assessing his experience and financial commitments to be implemented, we will know if we are on the right track or not. This knowledge, together with the options of directions and impact of the implementation is very precious.
How can it happen?
Firstly, Anwar has to fight for the people of Selangor. He needs to show if he deserves to be supported, because the people are always watching and questioning. Anwar’s passion is an advantage for the people of Selangor.
What about the speculation that Anwar wants the Chief Minister’s post?
A: The speculation needs to be tested first, Actually, Actually, Anwar is looking beyond the Selangor Menteri Besar’s position. To cut a long story short, the ultimate aim is federal level, with Selangor as the stepping stone. The combination of corporate experience and administering a state government will provide a good head start on challenging for Putrajaya.
Does the party no longer believe in you?
If I had lost the confidence of the party, I may not be the Chief Minister today. However, I admit that politics is more volatile compared to corporate life.
I have a reformation agenda, and if I was not allowed to realise this reformation agenda at the time, it would have been better for me to just resign. Currently, the reformation agenda is being pursued and implemented despite under the flurry situation of politics.
How do you see the Selangor government in facing future challenges?
We built the state reserves over the last four years. Now, not only can we talk about ideas, but we also have the money to translate the ideas into physical forms.
In the next five to eight years, not only is Selangor on a strong foundation, it will also be a happening place.
The reserve is essential because the Federal government would not lend the necessary funds that Selangor needs to develop. Are we supposed to talk and hope? For me, politics is more than mere rhetoric, because words cannot fill stomachs. First, get the money you need, then only think about what you want to eat.
Do you have any intention of stepping down from the CM post?
We do not want to talk about the matter, and we do not want a change in the Chief Minister for the time being. We want to face the election first.
I have no intention of resigning. Whatever happens after the by-election, we will discuss it at Pakatan Rakyat level.
Do you have support from PAS and DAP? How about support from PKR?
Yes, I have their support. For the party (PKR), I leave it to God (laughs).
Are you being removed because you do not want to grant contracts to party members?
For me, the party and the people have to believe in the principle of good governance. We continue to receive support in the election in May, in fact, public support increased because we practices transparency, accountability and we are able to perform our duties.
We cannot and do not want to change that. In politics, we should always open the eyes of the people.
What about speculation that there are certain parties who are not happy because they could not get contracts?
(Interrupting)…speculation says that I have already resigned twice (laughs)! Now we are at the stage of reformation…not everyone will be happy with the process.
Are you going to be CM for a third term?
No. I have prepared the government for my successor. I am not worried. I feel blessed and happy to be given the opportunity to raise the people’s flag. Whatever happens to me, the flag should continue to wave.
*This article was edited from interviews conducted by journalists of BFM and The Edge recently.
