|
(The Star) - Former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim cannot appeal against Umno’s decision to sack him, said party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“It is a decision that had been made. It is a normal decision – a decision which should be taken,” he said. Zaid was sacked on Tuesday for attending events organised by several opposition parties, including PKR’s national congress at Stadium Malawati last week. Asked if Zaid’s presence at Pakatan Rakyat functions showed that he had lost interest in Umno, Abdullah said “it looks like it”. Asked if Zaid would be allowed to attend Umno functions, he said he could do so if he was invited. “If Umno invites him, then yes. How can he come if he is not invited?” he said. Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said Zaid had “courted” the sacking for attending the events and not because of his strong criticisms against some government policies. He said Zaid should know the consequences of his actions and attending Opposition gatherings was surely against party principles. “It was a unanimous decision by the supreme council. Everyone who attended the meeting agreed that Zaid should be sacked,” he said after witnessing the signing of MoU between Kemas and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin said Zaid was implying that he is “with them”. “If he is with the Opposition, then he should not be with us. Umno’s decision to sack Zaid serves as a reminder to other members of the importance of adhering to party ethics,” he said. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said Zaid should prove that Umno was practising double standards. However, his right to be heard should be considered and the party could give the explanation for the action taken, Dr Rais said at Parliament lobby. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said Zaid’s statement that Umno was “inward-looking” was based on his own experience as the former Kota Baru Umno division chief. He said Zaid’s attendance at Pakatan Rakyat functions was “regrettable, but I supported the move to sack him”. “But now it’s very clear that if he receives any applause, it would be because he’s Zaid Ibrahim, the man, and not because he’s an Umno member,” he said.
 |
The Blogs 
