SHAH ALAM, February 18 – Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim hopes there will be no speculations raised by any parties on the spreading of photographs involving Selangor State Executive Council (Exco) member, Elizabeth Wong.

The Dato’ Menteri Besar said there were certain parties who were attempting to make dirty assumptions on the issue by trying to sullying her name.

He added that some media and websites were also trying to take advantage of the issue for cheap political reasons.

“Even though the state government respects the right for freedom of speech, it has to be based on facts and ethics. Considering this issue is still being investigated by the police, I hope that there will be no attempts by anyone to make unfair statements against her as she has offered to resign,” he said in a media conference after chairing the weekly State Executive Council Meeting here this afternoon.

The Dato’ Menteri Besar said he would meet the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj who is currently overseas, on February 25th for his advice relating to the issue.

“The state government is of the opinion that we need to look at the issue fully and our discussions with Tuanku will enable us to gain some insight as to how to come to a fair decision,” he said.

Elizabeth, who is also State Assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan offered to resign as representative and Exco member on Tuesday, after the distribution of semi-nude photographs which had been taken without her knowledge. Elizabeth made the decision in the interests of her party, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

The Dato’ Menteri Besar said Elizabeth ’s decision would be discussed in his meeting with the Sultan, next Wednesday.

He also suggested that Elizabeth should go on leave and let the state government handle the issue.

He said, the state government appealed to all parties to stop distributing Elizabeth ’s photographs as it was not merely an offence but would also shame her.

Meanwhile, the Chairman for Permanent Committee on Islamic Affairs, Malay Customs, Infrastructure and Public Amenities, Dato’ Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali who is also Selangor Pas Commissioner said the party was sympathetic for what had happened to Elizabeth.

“We also place great importance on the integrity and image of Pakatan Rakyat, therefore this moral issue is also very important for us.

“Therefore Pas is of the opinion that the incident is most dispiriting and we will work together with our friends in helping to clear her name and I hope that the Pakatan can work together in doing so,” he said.

He also hoped the police would conduct their investigations quickly and professionally.

Teresa Kok, representing the DAP, said that this incident was a violation of Elizabeth ’s privacy.

“We of the DAP Exco are most sympathetic on this violation on YB Elizabeth’s privacy.

“I think this is an important issue, which is why many Malaysians are giving her support, be it through sms, emails or online petitions to us,” she said. – NOOR ALLIA KASSIM