Political instability may cost Selangor dearly

GENERALLY, it would not make much of a difference how political wrangles in Malaysia play out, especially at the state level. Indeed, the country's political system seems prone to plunging into a crisis every now and then. Yet, for all the drama and excitement, things usually straighten out quickly.

Unfortunately, the current tussle for power in Selangor - and it is nothing more than that - threatens to stretch out until November when the state legislative assembly is scheduled to meet next.

Embattled Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has indicated that the loss of support of 30 members of the 56-seat chamber would not make a difference to his administration unless he loses a vote of confidence in the assembly. Clearly, he is fighting for time and hoping for some horse-trading to tilt the balance between supporters and opponents between now and November. This means that the imbroglio in Selangor may have consequences for the national economy.