MB: Umno dreaming, 'sleep talking'

SHAH ALAM (July 24, 2008): Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim says the issue of PAS leaving Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to join Umno in the Barisan Nasional (BN) does not arise.

"I think Umno is dreaming for that. They are 'sleep talking'," he said when a reporter asked him whether PR was prepared for the possibility of losing PAS in the coalition.

Khalid said: "PAS members are working together (with us). Selangor exco members from PAS are working well. I hope we reduce political discussions and increase welfare efforts and state development work."

On Sunday (July 20), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made headlines when he admitted that Umno and PAS have been holding talks to address issues on Muslim and Malay unity.

Abdullah's admission have sparked mixed reactions from all parties and indicvidual leaders. DAP veteran and Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang had queried why Abdullah, who claims to be a prime minsiter for all Malaysians, is not talking about Malaysian unity instead.

Speaking to reporters after opening the new Monfort Girls Centre (MGC) in Monfort Boys Town today, Khalid said the RM7 million project features three main buildings; girls dormitory, assembly hall and training centre.

Fifty-five girls are staying in the dormitory. The courses available for the girls are graphic design and multimedia, computer maintenance, printing, bakery and pastry.

Tanjong Public Limited Company has pledged RM5 million to the project, Yayasan Wanita Cemerlang RM1million and another RM1 million came from the public.

Tan Sri Clifford F Herbert, the chairman of Monfort Boys Town Board of Governors, in his speech, said Monfort depended on public donations which contributed to 90% of its annual operational expenses .

He said annual operational cost shad ballooned to RM5 million a year due to inflation.

He said Monfort needed to raise RM2.2 million to rehabilitate and repair its double-storey boys' dormitory and other facilities after more than 40 years of wear and tear.

Khalid said he will request private sectors to contribute to Monfort to enable it to continue with its welfare service. "I will also raise the matter with the exco to see how we can help or contribute."

Tamarai Chelvi
The Sun
25/07/08