Utusan says Azizan next to be sacked by PAS
(The Malaysian Insider) – Utusan Malaysia predicted today Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak would be the latest PAS leader to be sacked from the party, following the Kedah mentri besar’s defence of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA).
Azizan had previous been criticised by constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari for defending Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Kuin)’s suspension of five students under the UUCA in May last year, something which Azizan has said he is willing to be sacked for.
The Umno daily, in its weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia voiced its unequivocal support for the embattled Kedah MB, and labelled Aziz as an “Anwar supporter.”
“There are now efforts to replace him (Azizan) with a whole lot of excuses used including Azizan’s health,” wrote senior news editor Zulkefli Hamzah in his “Warung Politik” column.
“As how Datuk Dr Hasan Ali, Nasharudin Mat Isa, Datuk Haron Din and many have been labelled pro-Barisan Nasional, Azizan has fallen under that category,” said the columnist.
Zulkefli praised Azizan for remaining firm in his stand, and said that this was what angered Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders and supporters — that Azizan’s attitude was seen as going against the policies set out in the Buku Jingga.
“Azizan like Hasan has always been rational and mature. They who want the UUCA to be repealed are but a minority, but they know how to make a scene to garner support.
“From the start, Azizan has remained consistent in his stand against the five students charged under the UUCA…he did not pacify these students, and has even supported their suspension,” wrote the Utusan columnist.
PAS, Zulkefli charged, was uncomfortable with Azizan as a leader, as he is now seen as “incompetent”.
“How long can PAS tolerate the pressures of its minority pro-Anwar group? Azizan has stated that he is willing to be sacked by PR, but he has reminded, it is not easy!” added Zulkefli.
