SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA: "Bigamy is more acceptable than what has happened to Elizabeth Wong."

Selangor opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said in the case of bigamy, there was at least an element of responsibility.

He was alluding to the alleged bigamy case of former Bukit Selambau assemblyman and Kedah state executive councillor V. Arumugam.

Dr Khir said in Islam, Muslims were allowed to have four wives. He tried to backtrack at a press conference later, saying: "I don't know from that angle (if bigamy was more acceptable) but as far as I am concerned, a Muslim cannot stay together with someone without a relationship."

He said the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department should take action against Wong's boyfriend if it was proven there was a case.

Dr Khir also claimed that Wong's problem was due to a power struggle in Selangor Parti Keadilan Rakyat and had nothing to do with Umno or Barisan Nasional. "I hope Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will retract his statement that it was the work of Umno."

He also believed that Wong's offer to resign as the Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman would be accepted by PKR after the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections.

Dr Khir said this was because PKR could easily retain the Bukit Lanjan seat.

"This is a move by PKR to build a momentum towards the Sarawak elections. If they win there, it's likely that the 30 BN MPs there will cross over to Pakatan Rakyat."