Zulkifli upholds Radzhi’s right to quit
(NST) PUTRAJAYA: Kulim Bandar Baru member of parliament Zulkifli Noordin has defended the move of his party colleague, Mohd Radzhi Salleh, to quit Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Despite speculation over Radzhi's decision to be an independent after quitting PKR, Zulkifli said he knew Radzhi well since both of them won in the last general election.
"He had raised various issues that required attention. I think his action (to quit) is based on principles. It has nothing to do with disciplinary problems, investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or a woman as claimed by some people," he wrote in his blog.
"I would like to remind my friends in PKR and Pakatan Rakyat not to make wild accusations, slander or blame Radzhi."
PKR information chief Tian Chua had said Radzhi was being queried for under-performing as an elected representative. He also claimed that PKR had issued Radzhi a show-cause letter.
Zulkifli described Radzhi as a committed and dedicated state executive councillor. He said Radzhi had planned to turn Langkawi and Kedah into a hub for "syariah-compliant and halal tourism" to attract tourists from the Middle East.
"He had gone to Dubai on working visits and other places in the Middle East as he was keen on the 'halal hotel' concept."
Zulkifli said Radzhi was concerned with the disunity among the Malays after the last general election.
"He was among those who were sad when the Kedah Pas state government was threatened by the sole DAP representative in the state over the issue of the closure of a pig abbatoir at Kampung Berjaya in Alor Star."
Radzhi wanted all Malay leaders from Pas, PKR and Umno to sit together to address disunity among the Muslims, he said.
"He told us of his hope for (Pas spiritual leader Datuk) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim and then prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to reach a consensus on the matter."
Zulkifli said he and Radzhi also faced problems in monitoring their constituencies.
"Both of us do not get any aid to care for our constituents. We have to rely on our allowances and incomes as state representatives and MPs."
Zulkifli said he respected Radzhi's decision to quit.
"I call on our friends in PKR and PR to respect his decision. It is his right to choose which party he wants to join."
Radzhi's move should provide an opportunity for PKR and PR to address any shortcomings, he added.
