Zaid rebuts Adnan’s ‘sheep in wolf’s clothing’ jibe
(The Edge) – It's only been three days since he officially returned to politics but already he has come under attack by his former party and a person "I don't really know or have a relationship with", said Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.
Responding to Pahang Menteri Besar Tan Sri Adnan Yaakob's description of him as "a sheep in wolf's clothing", Zaid said he was surprised by the hatred from Adnan.
"Adnan is constantly accusing and insulting me. Some people say that he was one of the strongest proponents of my sacking from Umno," said Parti Keadilan Rakyat's latest high-profile signing.
"I've never being involved with any dodgy land or logging deals in Pahang hence I'm surprised by his attacks," Zaid wrote in his blog today.
The former minister also said that "anyone who seeks change such as eradicating corruption and curbing the abuse of powers or arguing against the Internal Security Act is seen as an Umno enemy".
Adnan, said Zaid, had also complained that he had enriched himself through his relationship with Umno and Barisan Nasional.
"When Umno leaders are upset with me they constantly raise this issue. Nevertheless, I've always maintained that I'm neither rich nor was made rich by Umno.
"But since this is a recurring accusation, I suggest that the government repeals the Official Secrets Act and declassify all information pertaining to government contracts, projects and shares given out to ministers, former ministers, chief ministers and other Umno leaders and their families," Zaid wrote.
This, he added, would offer a good opportunity to the public to decide who and how they were enriched.
The former de-facto law minister said that he was reminded of the incident when the previous prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi suggested that ministers should declare their assets. "I proposed then that the government should use a form utilised by the Australian government as it is simple and easy to fill."
However, the suggestion was shot down by senior Umno leaders, said Zaid. "Unless they are wiling to be scrutinised and judged by the public, there really is no necessity for them to attack others."
