KAJANG: Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that there is no crisis or issues regarding the appointment of 373 positions in the Village Development and Safety Committee (JPKK) in Selangor.
Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said that the power to appoint JPKK members falls under his ministry's jurisdiction and does not involve the state government.
"There is no crisis (in the appointment of JPKK).
"This is an offer from KKDW. Not the state government," he said during a press conference after a working visit to the Malaysian Civil Defence Force here, today.
Zahid made these remarks in response to the developments in the appointment of JPKK members in Selangor, which Umno demanded after rejecting the offer of 20 council member positions in the state.
Earlier, Umno Selangor announced the decision to relinquish the 20-member quota for local authority council positions in the state to their ally in the PH coalition.
In contrast, Umno Selangor seeks the JPKK positions in the state.
Its chairman, Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, was quoted as saying that the decision proves Umno Selangor is not greedy for positions, contrary to the allegations circulating.
Meanwhile, Zahid confirmed discussions involving two levels, namely the leadership of the ruling party and the state leadership.
"In fact, discussions were held by BN Selangor chairman Megat Zulkarnain with the Selangor chief minister (Amiruddin Shari) himself.
"I also had discussions with the prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim), and this matter will surely be resolved as quickly as possible," Zahid said.