Zaid says decision to contest to counter PKR’s ‘Kajang move’
(TMI) – Former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pic) said his decision to join the Kajang by-election on March 23 was to counter PKR’s “Kajang move”.
Addressing the media today, Zaid described the resignation of PKR’s Lee Chin Cheh to make way for PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as “wholly inappropriate”, and warned of political crisis in Selangor if Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim refused to let go his post.
“There is a real risk that a misuse of his political position by Anwar to take power from Khalid will tear Pakatan Rakyat apart,” said Zaid, adding that even if Anwar wins, he still had to convince the Sultan and PAS, which had been making dissenting noises, to accept him as the new menteri besar.
Zaid felt that Khalid or his team must only be removed through democratic process so that weaknesses or failings can be openly discussed and due process followed.
“I hope the voters of Kajang will make wise choices in the face of the current crisis between Khalid, Anwar and Azmin Ali. I believe this can happen if I win this seat,” he said, referring to the PKR deputy president.
Zaid, a prominent lawyer, was appointed as senator and served as the de facto law minister, before resigning six months later to protest the government’s use of the Internal Security Act.
In 2009, following his sacking from Umno, he joined PKR and stood under the party’s banner for the Hulu Selangor by-election in 2010, which he lost to MIC information chief P. Kamalanathan.
