PETALING JAYA (May 28): The Selangor state government will undergo a reshuffle to pave the way for PKR secretary general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to assume the responsibility of handling Pakatan Rakyat's political affairs in the state.

According to Malay daily Sinar Harian, a source close to Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim disclosed that the reshuffle will take place in the near future.

The reshuffle and Saifuddin's appointment has already gotten the go ahead from Abdul Khalid and PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a meeting last week.

The issue was also one of the reasons for the delay in the finalising of the state executive council lineup, the source said.

“The reshuffle may be discussed on Wednesday, Saifuddin will take care of political affairs in Selangor in line with the 14th general election,” the source was quoted saying.

“He will be tasked with mobilising the machinery in the rural areas to counter Barisan Nasional (BN) which is determined to win Selangor back.”

Saifuddin’s appointment will also help create a more efficient infrastructure development and see through the various welfare programmes which has been on hold since Pakatan’s previous administration term in the state.

“This term, Abdul Khalid has promised to spend the Selangor reserves to activate more welfare programmes,” the source said.

On the other hand, Saifuddin will work to create a new image for the Selangor government to instil the perception that Selangor is now a Pakatan state and no longer a BN fortress.

“The rebranding is not only for the civil servants but it will also see government buildings and other infrastructure painted with another colour, not BN's blue.”

The source also said Abdul Khalid will be working on the ground to build a repertoire among the people and also increase his political abilities following criticism during his previous term in office.

At the PKR 9th National Congress last weekend, fz.com had reported that the state government will establish a Political Liaison Office to solidify PKR and Pakatan Rakyat's role in Selangor.

Abdul Khalid said he had learnt that one could not be too rigid in politics because it would stem growth.

Abdul Khalid is known to be a by-the-book administrator. This has drawn much criticism from grassroots as well as top party leadership.