Kulim MP: ‘Kit Siang should be opposition leader’
(NST) KUALA LUMPUR: DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang is the right person to lead the opposition pact according to the principle of democracy and universal parliamentary practice, says Kulim Bandar Baru member of parliament Zulkifli Noordin.
He stressed that the post of opposition leader should go to the opposition party with the largest number of lawmakers.
“It is the principle of democracy and universal parliamentary practice that the post of leader of the opposition should go to the party with the largest number of MPs.
“It is, therefore, only right for Lim Kit Siang to be the opposition leader now that DAP has the numbers,” he said in the NSTLive chat session at Balai Berita yesterday.
The controversial politician was responding to a question if it would be morally right for the post to be handed to DAP, a party which has all along supported Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, since PKR now has fewer MPs than DAP.
After the sudden resignations of Bayan Baru MP Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohd Hashim, Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng, Bagan Serai MP Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri, and the recent sacking of Zulkifli from PKR, Anwar’s position as the opposition leader has been questioned by many quarters.
PKR’s seats in Parliament were reduced to 26 compared with DAP’s 28, as all the former PKR MPs have turned Independents. Pas has 23 seats.
Zulkifli, who reiterated that Anwar should step down as the opposition leader, said his former “boss” could stay on as PKR “spiritual leader” as it was the party’s right to appoint him.
Asked whether he still thinks Pakatan Rakyat could replace the Barisan Nasional Federal Government, Zulkifli replied: “No. It is a coalition of doom from the beginning.”
He said PKR and Pakatan have made several self-destructive moves by letting the “little pharaohs” mislead them.
“The party is in a mess because of the little pharaohs. They are just like termites, you just need to get rid of them to restore your house and that is what PKR must do.” he added.
Zulkifli said he has been approached by many quarters since his sacking, including certain leaders from Pas, but was keeping his options open whether to remain in politics or otherwise.
“I may join some of the Islamic NGOs. I am more inclined to be with the NGOs rather than political platforms, but I’ll keep my options open. I have also not decided if I want to contest in the next election but I’ll keep the options open,” he said.
He also shared his views on the “Allah” issue, the reason for pulling out from representing Anwar in the latter’s court case, and on lighter matters such as his hobbies and vehicles.
“I love horse-riding, taking part in motorcycle convoys and swimming. I do watch movies, the recent one was 2012. I also like to listen to musicians like Alex Bugnon, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Kitaro,” he replied to an NST Online reader.
Zulkifli: I may consider joining DAP
EXCERPTS from NSTLive chat session with Kulim Bandar Baru member of parliament Zulkifli Noordin:
Q: Since your sacking from PKR what have you been doing? Has any political party, especially Umno, contacted and enticed you to join their bandwagon?
A: Many parties have approached me including NGOs. I am considering all options and will make my decision after the Iddah (cooling-off) period.
Q: Will you join Umno, or maybe PPP? Is there any truth you were paid handsomely to switch camps?
A: I was sacked and I never abandoned the party or (PKR de facto leader) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. But they prefer to choose the little pharaohs over Islam. I may consider joining DAP, if there is an offer.
Q: What guides you to opt for DAP, if invited, instead of Umno which is surely more Islamic?
A: Because I want to get rid of (DAP secretary-general) Lim Guan Eng and (DAP supremo) Lim Kit Siang, so that DAP is not known as “Daddy-Anak Parti” (DAP).
Q: We have now quite a number of Independent MPs including yourself in Parliament. Do you think they can be a “third force” in Parliament?
A: As it is, we are now even bigger than MCA (in Parliament). So that speaks volumes.
Q: Have you turun padang and explained your position to the voters and people of Kulim Bandar Baru where you are an MP. What have your voters got to say on your sacking?
A: I am planning to have a roadshow in Kulim Bandar Baru. So far I have been receiving encouraging support.
Q: You said recently that PKR members will follow you wherever you go? How many have resigned as a sign of protest? Are there any?
A: It is not the numbers but the quality of people who resigned. You can see people like Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohd Hashim, Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri, Datuk Salehuddin Hashim, Tan Tee Beng… these are people who are very close to Anwar and PKR.
