Decide on Khalid quickly, PKR told

Hawkeye

 | July 10, 2014

Ex-assemblyman Jason Ong worries that the public may see the party as lacking in professionalism.

GEORGE TOWN: PKR was today urged to make a speedy decision on whether it wants Khalid Ibrahim to continue serving as the Selangor Menteri Besar.

Jason Ong, a party member and a former state assemblyman, said the issue had dragged on for too long and was exposing PKR as a party that lacked professionalism.

“People are getting fed up with PKR,” he told FMT. “Why can’t we resolve the status of Khalid within the PKR structure?

“Khalid was appointed to the post based on the consensus of Pakatan Rakyat, particularly from within PKR. If there are reasons to remove him, it should likewise be done within the same internal structure and not in full view of the public.

“We need to be professional. The rakyat are watching us.”

Some Pakatan leaders are unhappy over Khalid’s handling of the water supply issue and the controversial Kidex highway project as well as his perceived reluctance to rein in the increasingly overzealous state religious authorities.

However, Khalid remains resolute in defending his administration of Selangor, citing impressive revenue collection and an overall improvement in the delivery systems.

A former Penang PKR leader, who asked to remain anonymous, suggested that PKR seek a public referendum on the issue.

“Allow the rakyat to decide if Khalid should stay or go,” he said.