Media statement by Teresa Kok Suh Sim in Shah Alam on Saturday, 8^th January 2011:

UMNO Selangor's choice of Satim Diman as Selangor Opposition Leader proves that UMNO Selangor is truly devoid of capable leaders

The appointment of Satim Diman ADUN Sri Serdang as the Selangor Opposition Leader, to replace Khir Toyo who is now battling graft charges, proves that UMNO Selangor is truly devoid of capable leaders.

Firstly, Satim's record of attendance and performance as a state assemblyman in the Dewan Negeri Selangor sitting is appalling. He has never been an active participant in the DUN debate, revealing his apathy towards the affairs of the state government and his failure to represent the interests of his Sri Serdang constituents.

Secondly, Satim has by and large failed to serve the people of his constituency, Sri Serdang. My constituency Kinrara is located beside Sri Serdang. I have received numerous complaints from his constituents that Satim is not visible on the ground and has been neglecting them. Thus, whenever they faced any issues and concerns, they would approach me or the MP for Puchong Gobind Singh for assistance.

Thirdly, during one of the 2008 Selangor state assembly sittings, Satim made a statement falsely accusing me of forbidding the azan call to prayer by Masjid Al-Ehsan, Puchong. His statement was completely baseless and made with malicious intent. His lies led to my incarceration under the Internal Security Act before I was finally released thanks to strong and vocal public uproar, including public support from the chairman of the mosque committee itself.

In conclusion, though the Opposition Leader position is conventionally regarded as the alternate Menteri Besar, in my view, Satim Diman is definitely no equal to Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. Satim is even more incompetent than his predecessor Khir Toyo, and matches Khir only in their common lack of integrity. By appointing Satim as Opposition Leader, UMNO Selangor sends a strong message to the people of Selangor that UMNO Selangor is truly bankrupt of capable leaders.

* Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Selangor State Senior EXCO for Investment, Industry & Trade & MP for Seputeh