By governing standards, some may agree that the Pakatan Rakyat coalition rule in Selangor is still on a learning curve since the political tsunami on March 8 when the opposition parties of PKR, DAP and PAS snatched control of five states from the Barisan Nasional.

But that should not be cause for much comfort as lately, leadership fissures and cracks are appearing in the Pakatan rule in Selangor.

Recent squabbling through the media among various Pakatan leaders in Selangor and a PKR state leader threatening to resign has prompted the party’s deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali to call for an urgent political bureau meeting next week to resolve the related issues.

bersih round table 100207 syed husin ali"I urge various leaders in Pakatan to stop taking their differences and conflicts to the media," Syed Husin (left), who is also PKR disciplinary board chairperson, said in a statement issued to the press recently.

Principally involving certain Selangor PKR and DAP state leaders over local issues which have been widely reported, some PKR sources diagnosing the latest ‘leadership ailment’ in Selangor seem to agree that the tiffs are just the tip of the iceberg.

Some sources within PKR reason that strong political leadership at the top level in Selangor would have prevented some of the ‘hiccups’ from currently taking place.

A high party source confirms the PKR grassroots leaders in Selangor are blaming Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s lack of political acumen in resolving the on-going Klang Sentral Terminal issue together with other matters which have snowballed into the PKR’s Kapar Member of Parliament S Manikavasagam threatening to resign.

The latest episodes seem to highlight the gathering momentum of dissatisfaction against Khalid’s role and performance as the menteri besar of Selangor.

These frustrations and disillusionment within PKR ranks are also likely to be raised at a party supreme council meeting slated for the middle of next month.

"For a start, there is this perception that Selangor under PKR leadership is just not moving ahead compared to other states under Pakatan leadership," a PKR insider who declined to be named, said.

Blamed even for meritocracy

"Certainly, Selangor has not come out with any development plans or vision except for ad hoc projects. Besides the obsession with free water, the review of certain land dealings and a proposal for a pig-framing area, the menteri besar is perceived to be lacking in political will or is simply showing apathy in attempting to rejuvenate Selangor-state-owned companies.

"He should remove the deadwood in the 100 state-owned companies including incumbent board members who have failed to perform.

"The lack of strategic economic initiatives and a lack of a clearly-defined blueprint for Selangor is just one of the many fundamental weaknesses of the PKR leadership under Khalid," the source said.

Malaysiakini, however, learnt that an economic and social development blueprint for Selangor was in fact drawn up as early as May this year but for unknown reasons was neither implemented nor officially announced.

Despite these grouses directed at Khalid, the MB has also won some favourable reviews in comparison to his BN predecessor. DAP’s MP for Petaling Utara Tony Pua reasoned that Khalid’s unpopularity within his party stemmed from the fact that the Selangor menteri besar has refused to play political patronage.

khalid ibrahim selangor state budget pc 120808 02In fact, one of the major criticisms directed at Khalid (right) was his refusal to give ample opportunities for loyal PKR supporters (on the basis of meritocracy and not cronyism) to partake in development activities in the state.

"Hence, certain quarters view Khalid as more of a corporate leader rather than a shrewd politician but there is nothing wrong with this," Pua reasoned.

"Under his leadership, there are more people-oriented community projects like the ‘Warga Emas’ (insurance for elderly) and more education scholarships for children from poor families," said the DAP leader.

Brushing aside complaints against Khalid’s leadership, Pua added, "The bulk of the opposition leaders do not understand business management. The transition from street protests to understanding the operation of businesses is a big jump’.

Pua also argued that Khalid has been singled out for criticism compared to other Pakatan chiefs in the smaller or lesser developed states. This was because Selangor was one of the biggest industrial or money-spinning states.

"Hence, the expectation from him (Khalid) to perform is so much higher," Pua concluded.

Determination to move forward

Criticisms against Khalid from within his party’s rank-and-file have nevertheless been gathering momentum. As one PKR insider recently confided, "Patience for Khalid is really running thin".

According to the source, time is running out with renewed speculation of a possible snap polls in the third quarter of next year following a changeover in the Umno leadership. PKR is understandably jittery over poor performance and undelivered electoral promises.

One of the complaints directed against Khalid was his lack of political will to implement a declaration of assets by all Selangor state executive councillors. A disillusioned PKR party supporter said, "The excuse he (Khalid) gave, something about security reasons, is unacceptable."

"There is definitely a consensus within the party ranks that Selangor must be governed well and Khalid’s performance will inevitably reflect upon PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

teresa kok sues chamil waraya utusan malaysia court 121208 03"Some are already saying that Anwar’s leadership is on the line. If he (Anwar) cannot govern Selangor well, how is he going to govern the whole country?" he added.

Another DAP leader supportive of Khalid’s leadership was Seputeh MP Teresa Kok (left) who said that sometimes it was not fair to push the blame to the Selangor menteri besar.

"Tackling the (Selangor) state bureaucrats who for decades have been under BN rule is not an easy task. Some welcome changes while others resist the changes and are not as cooperative," she said.

Some top PKR officials are facing pressure from the public as well as from within the party that Selangor under Pakatan rule must dynamically move forward with or without Khalid at the helm of the state leadership.

This determination is not likely to go unnoticed in the months ahead.

"Election campaign promises must be kept. There must be a speedy implementation of environmental ‘green’ zones and an economic blueprint with a vision before the next general election," a party source said.

"Otherwise, we in the PKR leadership in Selangor will merely be a trespassers before BN takes back Selangor," said a PKR leader who in the same breath said that he hoped his prophecy would not come true.