KLANG: Newly appointed Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali admits he has a daunting task in patching up the “cracks” that have appeared in Pakatan Rakyat.
“That is the biggest challenge now,” he said at his maiden press conference after being sworn in as mentri besar at Istana Alam Shah here yesterday.
The coalition has been rocked by PAS’ refusal to endorse PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the mentri besar’s post, and the harsh criticism that has been flung at each other by PAS, DAP and PKR.
Another major challenge will be in going over all the agreements entered into by the administration of his predecessor, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
At a press conference at his mother’s house in Ulu Klang, he said he was not planning on a review of the recently-signed water industry restructuring agreement between the state and federal governments but would determine if any changes or new initiatives were needed.
Azmin said his priority was in reducing crime and dengue cases, waste management and in improving road conditions in the state.
The Selangor Sultan, he said, had asked him to focus his efforts on improving safety and security in the state.
“Tuanku told me that my responsibility as mentri besar is to maintain harmony in the state,” said Azmin, who turned 50 on Aug 25.
“He said that while Islam is the religion of the federation, we must respect others in practising their faith,” Azmin said.
Azmin, who has had a brief discussion with the Selangor police chief earlier, will be meeting the state health director soon.
Asked about the schism within Pakatan, Azmin said at the earlier press conference that he wanted to ensure they could “consolidate and get everyone to participate in the state administration and also to strengthen Pakatan Rakyat’s position.”
On whether he would be “controlled” by his party leaders, the Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman said: “I am guided by the state constitution and laws and also the policies approved by Pakatan.”
He declined to respond if Dr Wan Azizah would have been a “remote-controlled” mentri besar had she been appointed.
“Let us move on. The decision has been made,” he said. “I have taken my oath.
“I will work closely with all parties to ensure what’s been promised to the rakyat is delivered.”
As for whether he would revive the state economic adviser’s post, held by PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim until it was scrapped by the previous state administration, Azmin said he would have to first look into the reasons behind the move.
On Monday, Mentri Besar Incorporated chief executive officer Faekah Husin said the decision to do away with the post was to reduce administrative costs.
The state secretariat has organised an event today to welcome Azmin as the new mentri besar.
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