Mississauga MP Wajid Khan is preparing to step down as the Liberal defence critic, but denies the decision is based on criticism from colleagues over his new role as special adviser to the Conservative government.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Khan as a special adviser on the Middle East and South Asia after the MP offered his services.

Liberal MP Wajid Khan says his decision to step down as a defence critic had nothing to do with criticism from colleagues about his appointment as an adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
(Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Khan said he will give up his role as defence critic because it's only right to let someone else take over while he's busy serving as a special adviser. He said he is not caving to criticism.

Fellow Liberal MPs have criticized Khan's decision and questioned how he will balance his new responsibilities to the prime minister with allegiance to his own party.

"There are potential problems here with a member being in one party and serving the government or the prime minister in another capacity, and those problems could be huge," said Liberal MP Derek Lee.

The Scarborough-Rouge River MP believes Khan would be handicapped in his capacity as an Opposition MP when drilling the government with questions during question period.

Khan has said he sees no problem with working for the prime minister because the crisis in the Middle East transcends political affiliations.

"It is not Liberal or Conservative, it is a Canadian issue," he said. "It is, going forward, what Canada can do? How can we go forward, medium and long term? That is what we are going for."

Liberal Leader Bill Graham said he was surprised by Khan's appointment, but approved of the partnership.

In the coming weeks, Khan will travel to the two regions, then prepare a report on the situation by early October.

With files from the Canadian Press