Follow Shahrizat’s Footsteps, Opposition Leaders Told

(Bernama) – Opposition leaders have been urged to emulate Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who would be stepping down as minister next month amid the controversy surrounding National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp) involving her family.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he would continue to give full support to Shahrizat as Wanita Umno chief and Wanita Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman despite her resignation as minister.

“None of the opposition leaders, who were besieged by controversies, are willing to resign like Shahrizat,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby here today.

He was commenting on Shahrizat’s statement that she would resign as women, family and community development minister when her senatorship ends on April 8, but would stay on as Wanita Umno chief after being entangled for over four months by NFCorp’s wrangle.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said Shahrizat made a sacrifice for she did not want the government to be dragged into the controversy.

“This is an example of the sincerity and integrity of BN leaders compared to opposition leaders. We have a case where an opposition leader was merely asked to go on leave to sort out a controversy,” he added.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said he regretted that Shahrizat had to make the decision and respected her for it.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi described Shahrizat’s decision as dignified unlike the opposition which would continue to defend their tainted leaders.

“On the other hand, the BN has proven that it is more courageous, transparent, dignified and live by high moral. I hope the people will see this as a transformation initiated by the prime minister,” added Puad.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said Shahrizat’s resignation would not affect the working of the government and the BN.

“A leader can come and go but the government or the ministry as well as the BN machinery will continue to function. A ministry will continue to function no matter who is the minister,” he said.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the people should evaluate the action taken by Shahrizat, which he deemed as insincere and not made wholeheatedly.

“If you want to go why you don’t you go now, why wait until April 8. And why is she still hanging on as Wanita Umno chief, either you resign all posts or you don’t resign at all,” he said.