Parliament: Zaid welcome to join PKR
By LEE YUK PENG and LOH FOON FONG (The Star)
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR - Permatang Pauh) says former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is welcome to join PKR.
Despite admitting that he spoke to Zaid after the latter tendered his resignation as a minister, Anwar said he would give Zaid the space and time to reflect instead of pushing him to join the party.
“He is an asset to the nation.
“This is his choice. We are comfortable with him. We have seen him firmly defending human rights.
“He is committed to his principle against the draconian law,” said Anwar referring to Zaid’s stand against the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Zaid resigned as a minister and senator on Sept 17 after he disagreed with the Government’s decision to detain a journalist, a blogger and a Pakatan MP under the ISA.
Anwar on Wednesday said Umno’s move to sack Zaid for attending the PKR function was intolerant and harsh.
He said this to reporters after meeting with Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud at the Parliament Lobby.
Syed Shahir said MTUC had presented a memorandum to the Finance Ministry against the use of RM5bil from the Employees Provident Fund for Valuecap Sdn Bhd.
Syed Shahir said MTUC was concerned with the usage of funds from workers’ hard earned money.
DAP Parliamentary Leader and Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang said the DAP is prepared to receive Zaid if he wants to join the party.
“Our doors are open,” he said.
Umno sacked Zaid on Tuesday for attending events organised by several opposition parties.
