PR on the lookout for alternative MB candidate?

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is working on finding an alternative candidate to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) post.

PR’s effort which is viewed as a move to satisfy all parties was revealed by a top leader, reported Malaysian Insider.

The source said that a PKR leader has been identified, however could not be named until consensus was reached between PKR, DAP and PAS.

The source also revealed that Deputy PKR President Mohamed Azmin Ali had been nominated but was rejected by many PAS leaders.

“The third candidate should be a state assemblyman from PKR, a loyal follower of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and an individual which can be received by the MB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim,” said the source.

The source also added that the individual’s good performance record will also be taken into account.

The source said currently all eyes are on any Malay – Muslim state assemblyman close to Anwar.

The source however revealed that Anwar who is also PKR de-facto leader could not accept the alternative candidate for the post as he still hols to the decision of replacing Abdul Khalid with his wife, Dr Wan Azizah.

"This is the only way to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and to fulfil the criteria set which is that the individual should be from PKR, accepted by Abdul Khalid and also Pakatan,” said the source.

Earlier, PAS Secretary General Datuk Mustafa Ali said if Abdul Khalid was to be replaced, the individual should be from PKR and not PAS.

PAS are in a split on the issue of replacing Abdul Khalid with Dr Wan Azizah for two reasons: She is a woman who causes discomfort among several state leaders and she is viewed as a person who is unable to make her own decision as Anwar is her husband.

On Friday, DAP Secretary General, Lim Guan Eng has called for all political parties to state their stand of whether a woman could be elected as a menteri besar before any talks of replacing the post.

Guan Eng had earlier warned the possibility of a split in PR should component parties push aside a decision made together.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid had indicated in several meetings held between PR leaders and himself that he will not step down should he be replaced by Azmin.

Khalid’s support is vital in this matter to ensure an amicable departure without a vote of no-confidence at the Selangor State Assembly.