FORMER Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim made an appearance at the opening of the Selangor Umno convention today.

However, Khalid’s aide told The Malaysian Insight that the former PKR leader was not joining Umno.

“He was only invited to give insights on the event. He is not here to join Umno,” Khalid’s aide, Mustapha Mohd Talib, said at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

The event is said to be closed-door briefing on Umno’s strategy to wrest Selangor from the Pakatan Harapan opposition bloc, and Khalid and another former menteri besar, Muhammad Muhd Taib, are believed to be key figures in this effort.

Other leaders present are Selangor Umno liaison chief Noh Omar and controversial Sungai Besar Umno division chairman Jamal Mohamed Yunos.

Khalid was seen walking with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi into the hall.

Khalid said he is still independent as it is the best choice.

“I feel with this independence, the Selangor people are not worried about my intentions.

“My party is the Selangor people,” he said in a press conference after the Umno Selangor convention earlier adding his only focus was the interest of the people.

Khalid added he will not contest in the 14th General Elections (GE14).

“No. I am not with Umno (today) to win the elections.

“I’m only here because I’m thankful I got to be in politics and got to be (Selangor) MB.

“I will work not only for Umno. I have told my friends in Pas, who have helped me, I will help them too for the sake of bringing people together,” said Khalid.

On October 15, Khalid said he will campaign with PAS and Barisan Nasional in the next general election, but will not defend his seat. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/18682/

“I will stand with PAS and Umno-BN to fight for the people of Selangor,” said Khalid, who attended the state PAS election machinery’s fundraising high tea in Shah Alam today.

He also shot down claims he would join Umno. – December 2, 2017.