Only Sultan can remove Khalid Ibrahim
(Kuala Lumpur Post) – Only the sultan of Selangor holds the power to remove Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as menteri besar, should the latter seek an advice for the dissolution of the state assembly.
According to legal experts, if a vote of no-confidence against Khalid was passed, the Pakatan-led government in Selangor would nominate a candidate to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to be considered as the new MB.
Legal expert Syahredzan Johan said Khalid had two options if the situation led to a vote of no-confidence — seek an audience with the sultan and offer his resignation or he could advise the sultan to dissolve the state assembly.
“It would be up to the sultan to approve or deny the request to dissolve the state legislative assembly.
“If the sultan disagrees with the proposal to dissolve the state assembly, then it is more than likely that Khalid will have to go and a new Selangor MB will be appointed in his stead.”
However, the sultan’s decision could be affected by the results of the vote of no-confidence against Khalid.
“If there is a slim majority in support of Khalid’s dismissal, the sultan may be persuaded to allow the state legislative assembly to be dissolved to lift the political impasse,” Syahredzan said.
Lawyer Datuk Mohd Haaziq Pillay said in the current political mood affecting the state, the sultan held the key to keeping things on an even keel.
“Right now, the sultan has the discretion to decide on a number of things, including to accept or reject the MB’s advice in case of a tie on the no-confidence vote.
“He also could allow the MB to continue serving pending fresh elections.”
Another legal expert, Datuk N. Sivananthan, said there was no reason for Khalid to vacate his post as long as he commanded the greatest confidence from the state legislative assembly members.
“Even if PKR sacks him in the near future, he can still act as Selangor MB as an independent state assemblyman. However, in the current situation, it is most likely PKR will initiate a vote of no-confidence against him,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
“If the motion fails, Khalid is then able to serve out his term as Selangor MB until a second motion is passed or if there is a decision to dissolve the Selangor state assembly, reports NST.
