By Neville Spykerman
SHAH ALAM, Oct 29 — Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (picture) today said Umno was welcome to have Badrul Hisham Abdullah if it really wanted a state lawmaker who could not serve his constituents.
The Selangor mentri besar also indicated that he did not care if the Port Klang assemblyman became an independent lawmaker or joined Umno or even MCA.
However, he pointed out that Badrul had made a commitment to serve the public when he was elected and, if he was really responsible, should resign to give others the opportunity to do the job.
He said measures would be taken if Badrul refuses to resign but declined to elaborate.
Khalid was speaking to reporters today in response to an earlier statement by his political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who said Badrul should quit his seat for non-performance and the recommendation would be made to the PKR supreme council.
He added the state government could not tolerate incompetent and irresponsible leaders.
In an immediate reaction, opposition leader Datuk Seri Khir Toyo said Umno would welcome Badrul into the party.
The former Selangor mentri besar said Umno was open to Malays and Bumiputeras.
Khir added that Khalid should have given Badrul more time to improve.
“If he comes to Barisan Nasional (BN) we will give him the opportunity to serve,” said Khir.
He pointed out that if Badrul was really not good, "why did PKR let him stand for elections in the first place?"
Meanwhile, Badrul remained incommunicado today and reporters who went to his home in Kampung Raja Uda, Port Klang saw his car in his porch but no one was in.
The call for the embattled politician to resign raises prospects of a by-election in Selangor.
Controversy has plagued the lawmaker due to complaints by his constituents that he was frequently absent and could not be contacted.
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