SHAH ALAM: We refer to the articles published in The Star dated Dec 28, 2008 entitled “Rift in Pakatan” and “Kapar MP free to go, says Khalid” featured on page N1 and Page N6 respectively. The said articles were based on a short press conference held by Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim IN the evening of Dec 27th at the Curve, Kota Damansara  after opening the state’s Christmas celebration.

We would like to state that:
1. At no time during the press conference did the Menteri Besar said that “he was not interested to meet Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam or asking him to reconsider his decision to quit Parti Keadilan Rakyat” as stated in the Page N1 article.
2. When the Menteri Besar was asked if he was willing to meet the Kapar MP, he replied that as a parliamentarian, it would be a better avenue for MP to meet the party’s leader.

We would also like to stress that there was nothing mentioned on “Kapar MP is free to go” as suggested in the of the page N6 article. During the press conference, the Menteri Besar was asked  had stressed that the Kapar MP is free to make his decision and that he is mature enough to make a good decision as a representative to more than 100,000 voters in his constituency and a member of PKR. The Menteri Besar also repeatedly stated that the best forum to thrash out the issue would be the party’s political bureau.

We would appreciate for this statement being published in full to put the record straight. We also take a serious view of the distortion of facts by the said publication and hope that it will be more responsible and accurate in its coverage of the state government and the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

PRESS SECRETARIATE
MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR’S OFFICE