Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has resigned as the Selangor opposition leader just hours after being charged in court with corruption over a land deal involving his lavish mansion.

NONE In a posting on his blog, Mohd Khir said that the resignation takes effect immediately.

However, he hopes that his trial would be expedited in order to avoid it presenting any obstacles for his political activities.

“I will leave the fate of my party position to the party leadership. If (the trial) poses a big problem for the party, I will step down voluntarily,” said Mohd Khir, who is the Sungai Besar Umno division chief.

He said that the trial will not affect his current duties as a state assemblyperson.

Noh's gang to benefit?

NONE At the Shah Alam Sessions Court today, Mohd Khir and Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Haryoni were both charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code for graft.

Mohd Khir was accused to have knowingly accepted a bribe in form of a heavy discount from Shamsuddin for the purchase of two plots of land that was used for his lavish mansion in Section 7 Shah Alam.

Additionally, Shamsuddin was charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code for abetment. Bail was set at RM750,000.

Mohd Khir was the Selangor menteri besar for eight years before BN was deposed as the administrator of the state following the 2008 general elections.

NONE Subsequently, he relinquished all his party posts to take responsibility for the defeat but was still appointed opposition leader.

With Mohd Khir’s political incapacitation now that the trial has begun, Selangor Umno deputy liaison chief Noh Omar is expected to further strengthen his grip on the party’s state leadership.