PKR's Wan Azizah says it is her duty to assume role of Selangor Menteri Besar

Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), during an election campaign in March for the Kajang state seat in Selangor which she eventually won. Dr Wan Azizah, who is the wife of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, says it i
Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), during an election campaign in March for the Kajang state seat in Selangor which she eventually won. Dr Wan Azizah, who is the wife of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, says it is her duty and responsibility to assume the role of Selangor Menteri Besar as the party had already made its decision on the matter. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

PERMATANG PAUH, Penang (The Star/Asia News Network) - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail says it is her duty and responsibility to assume the role of Selangor Menteri Besar as the party had already made its decision on the matter.

"All the positions I hold are a responsibility. Even without a position, it is a service to the people," she said on Wednesday after a prayer ceremony at the Permatang Nibong mosque here.

On claims that as Menteri Besar, she would be a mere "puppet" of her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah said: "Well, he was in jail when I was elected (party) president. They can criticise whatever they want, but we have a team and teamwork is what we emphasise on," she said.

The PKR Supreme Council endorsed Dr Wan Azizah for the role of Selangor Menteri Besar last Monday.

On Wednesday, the party's decision to replace Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim was agreed to in principle by PKR's Pakatan Rakyat partners the Democratic Action Party and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS).

On Friday, however, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang defended Mr Khalid, saying he wanted the latter to remain in office.

He was reported as saying that a majority of PAS grassroots agreed that Mr Khalid should stay on, judging from his track record in helming the state.

In an immediate reaction, PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said that Mr Hadi's statement was merely a personal opinion and not the party's official stand.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Niz Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has also supported Mr Hadi's view, saying that Mr Khalid has not done anything wrong.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.