Zaid’s roadshow for Najib sends Kita reeling
By Stephanie Sta Maria, FMT
PETALING JAYA: Kita president, Zaid Ibrahim, has sent shockwaves through his party with his announcement of a roadshow to drum up support for Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s pledge for reforms.
Kita’s democracy roadshow secretariat told the press yesterday that it was important for people at all levels to understand the policy transformations which are “historical and full of importance”.
The secretariat also said that Kita would be holding meetings with the public to provide information and clarification on the issue in order that Najib’s “noble efforts” are not obstructed by misunderstanding.
The roadshow will be held nationwide from Sept 27 to Oct 26.
This is the latest in a string of surprise moves from Zaid, with the first being the abrupt sacking of three party top leaders, which fuelled accusations of his tyranny and disrespect for party protocol.
The announcement of the roadshow has sent the party’s leaders in many states reeling particularly since they first learnt of it through the press late yesterday evening.
Penang chief, Tan Tee Beng, said that Zaid had never held any meeting with the state leaders on such a controversial decision which clearly needed a collective opinion.
“His apology to Najib already created havoc within the party,” he said. “This roadshow has created a timebomb for both Zaid and the party. It’s like adding salt to the wound.”
“Is he diverting attention from the talk of infighting within the party? If Barisan Nasional invited a Kita representative to sit on a panel to discuss the issue, we would gladly oblige but there is no need for a roadshow.”
Nothing concrete
Federal Territory chief, G Rajaratnam, said that such a roadshow was premature when Najib had only announced an intent to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) without any futher solid details.
“Whatever Najib says should be taken with a pinch of salt,” he said. “Logically, this roadshow shouldn’t be done because there is nothing concrete to talk to the people about.”
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