PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: DAP is rooting for Teresa Kok, its newly elected Bandar Kinrara assemblywoman, to be deputy Mentri Besar of Selangor but PKR is believed to prefer DAP assemblyman for Sungai Pinang Teng Chang Khim as an alternative.

This is now newly sworn in Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s first test in leadership to quickly put together a new state administration following their unexpected victory at the polls last Saturday (8 Mar).

According to sources, the Selangor Chief Minister designate, Khalid Ibrahim, requested a deputy with experience in the state assembly, to allow him to get down to business soonest possible.

"The leadership which is formed by the three parties (in the new coalition government), hopes that they can form a better state government soon, so that they can serve the people effectively," a source said.

Teng Chang Khim was the Selangor state legislative assembly opposition leader of Selangor for two terms (1995-1999 and 2004-2008). He was the member of the Selangor state legislative assembly for three terms since 1995.

However, DAP Selangor’s objection was that Teng did not well with them at the party level previously. Currently, PKR and DAP have yet to discuss the choice of candidates for the Deputy Mentri Besar post.

Meanwhile Bernama reports that the date for the swearing in of the incoming Mentri Besar has not been confirmed yet but would be done not later than this week.

The confidential secretary to the Selangor Sultan. Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani said at a press conference Wednesday (12 Mar), “The Sultan’s decision will be announced soonest possible regarding the appointment, swearing in and oath of loyalty to be held at the Istana Bukit Kayangan Shah Alam." (Sin Chew Daily)