Selangor Govt may work with ex-BN leaders to develop state - NST

SHAH ALAM, Tues: April 22, 2008

The Selangor Government does not dismiss the possibility of working with former Barisan Nasional state leaders for the sake of the state’s development and future.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the decision would, however, depend on the state executive councillors, whether they would need the services of the individuals concerned.

“It depends on them, but we hope for strong cooperation among them so as to provide the best services possible, for the people.

“Change will take place as only those qualified and professional enough will be given the trust to carry out the tasks,” he told reporters after the swearing-in of the state’s assemblymen here today.

He was responding to a query, whether Selangor would follow the move by Penang, which is also under opposition rule, to appoint former BN leaders to serve the state government.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced the appointment of former Parliamentary Secretary to the Health Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon as a board member of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and investPenang, a subsidiary of the PDC.

Lim said the appointment of Lee, also formerly Gerakan deputy secretary-general, was aimed at assisting the state government in Penang’s economic development.

The Chief Minister also announced the appointment of former Sessions Court judge Datuk Ho Mooi Ching, 56, as chairman of the Penang Pardons Board and former Penang BN secretary Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad Sulaiman, 71, as deputy chairman of the board.

Meanwhile, on the appointment of Teng Chang Khim as Selangor state assembly Speaker and Haniza Mohamed Talha as Deputy Speaker, Abdul Khalid hoped the coming assembly sitting would proceed smoothly.

“I congratulate Teng and Haniza and all those who took their oath of office today. As the elected representatives and voices of the people, I also hope that we can all give our views and debate on matters with decorum in the interest of the state.”

Fifty-five assemblymen were sworn in today, while arrangements are being made for Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan, who is now under ISA detention, to take his oath as soon as possible.