Speaking to reporters at Selangor Umno’s annual convention today, he said he would act independently without being officially linked to any party, including Umno and PAS.
“I welcome all efforts to strengthen the solidarity among Muslims and Malaysians, whether from the government or the opposition, because I want to see Selangor prosper and be united.
“I am convinced that this is more effective compared to backing a party that just supports rhetoric in the name of justice,” he said, in apparent reference to PKR.
“That is why I am prepared to work with Selangor BN and whoever else for the benefit of the people of Selangor,” he told a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre here. Also present was Selangor Umno chairman Noh Omar.
Khalid served as menteri besar from 2008 to 2014 when he was pressured to resign after being expelled from PKR.
Earlier, his appearance at the convention when he walked in with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is Umno’s acting deputy president, and former menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib created a stir among the media that were covering the event.
It is understood that Khalid had attended the occasion as an invited guest. He had also been present at the PAS national assembly in Alor Setar in May.
Khalid said he had held a discussion with Noh and Muhammad, who was menteri besar from 1986 to 1997, and they were ready to accept his assistance as it was for the good of the people.
He however added that he was not going to contest in GE14 which is due by August next year.
“Don’t think that I have come to Umno to get a seat,” he said.
“I will work hard because I need to make sure Selangor undergoes change by having back the party which I feel can protect and heighten the interests of this country,” he said.
BN’s control over Selangor was broken for the first time when PKR, DAP and PAS won the state in the general election of March 2008 and repeated the feat in the last election in May 2013.
The state is currently led by PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who was appointed as menteri besar by the Sultan of Selangor following the move to purge Khalid.
Khalid also said he would use his experience and goodwill with the people to woo them to BN.
He said he would operate independently as he did not want people to misconstrue his motives. He also said his only wish was to bring success to the state.