SHAH ALAM - Former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo yesterday tendered his resignation as the Selangor opposition leader.

The Sungai Panjang assemblyman faxed his resignation letter to the state assembly speaker's office and to Selangor Umno office at 11.20am.

His resignation, which takes effect immediately, now means that Selangor Umno will have to pick a new leader from its ranks before the next assembly sitting in three months.

Dr Khir remains an assemblyman.

He said it was best to resign as he was concerned with the speculation that would arise, especially from Pakatan Rakyat representatives who would associate the charge against him with the party and post.

Dr Khir was charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Monday with allegedly obtaining two plots of land and a house in Jalan Suasa 7/1L for RM3.5 million, which is half the price of the market value of RM6.5 million (S$2.72 million), for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45.