By Neville Spykerman
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today moved to downplay tensions between PKR secretary-general Datuk Salehuddin Hashim and Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who are differing over the Talam debt buyout.
Salehuddin, in a leaked internal e-mail to PKR MPs and state-lawmakers, reportedly criticised the Selangor mentri besar for not consulting the party before making the decision to acquire RM392 million in debts owned by Talam Corp Bhd from state subsidiaries.
“Salehuddin did not make a public statement and according to the principles of good governance, there is nothing wrong with PKR leaders questioning decisions made,” said the de facto PKR leader who is now Selangor economic advisor.
The state government had moved to transfer the debts – accumulated over 10 years – from the subsidiaries to the Mentri Besar Incorporated in order to collect it from Talam Corp Berhad.
The Star daily had reported Salehuddin as asking PKR elected representatives to demand an explanation as the party had been “kept in the dark”, while also speculating the debt buy-out would incur additional cost including consultancy charges that could profit some quarters.
However, Anwar said Salehuddin did not allege that there was any fraud or impropriety in the move.
At the same time, he added Khalid had explained the decision and that the party had accepted it.
The Permatang Pauh MP also defended his appointment as an economic advisor to Selangor, saying his role is to support the mentri besar.
“They have done reasonably well in terms of administration but they are under pressure because the federal agencies are not giving them support while federal funds are not being disbursed through the state government,” said the former finance minister.
But he conceded there were some legitimate grouses in relation to the pace of approvals, public housing and investments in Selangor although the Auditor-General had praised the state administration.
Although the appointment was effective immediately, Anwar disclosed that he would officially start as advisor on Dec 2. He will be paid RM1 a month for his services.
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