Selangor will not collapse even if Pakatan splits, says Guan Eng

(The Star) – The widening rift between DAP and PAS will not result in the collapse of the Pakatan Rakyat-led government in Selangor.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (pic) acknowledged that there was a possibility of a Pakatan break-up within the coming weeks, but it would necessarily mean the collapse of the Selangor state government.

“In Selangor, half of the assemblymen support Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and so, if Pakatan breaks up, it’s not necessary the state government will dissolve,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby, Monday.

But he noted that if Pakatan did split, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang would be forced to make a stand.

Asked if a break-up was likely in the next two weeks as suggested by DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, the Penang Chief Minister said it was possible, but may take a “bit longer”.

Currently, Pakatan has a total of 43 seats in the Selangor state legislative assembly with Barisan Nasional controlling 12 seats.

DAP has 15 state seats, PKR has 13, while PAS has 14.

Former Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim became an Independent after his sacking last August.

PAS Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib and Morib representative Hasnul Baharuddin were suspended for a year for supporting Dr Wan Azizah during the Selangor mentri besar crisis.

In a related development, PAS central committee member Khalid Samad expressed confidence that Pakatan would not split.

He said that the current rift was likely due to “posturing” by some PAS leaders for the upcoming party polls in June.

While there may be “jostling” for positions by certain PAS leaders, he said that other party members did not want to see a Pakatan break up.