Malaysian minister quits over security arrests
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — The Malaysian minister responsible for legal affairs resigned Monday over a series of arrests under controversial new security legislation, an aide said.
“Yes, he has resigned. Zaid Ibrahim sent his letter of resignation to the prime minister’s office at 2.00pm today,” the aide told AFP.
“He has resigned over the ISA issue,” the official added, referring to the Internal Security Act which allows for indefinite detention without trial.
The aide said it was not yet clear whether Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had accepted the resignation.
Zaid has led criticism from within the government of the weekend arrests of an opposition politician, a blogger and a reporter under the ISA legislation.
“The ISA is open to abuse. If we cannot be fair in implementing it, then we should confine its use to terrorists,” Zaid said, according to the New Straits Times.
“If we have to use the ISA to detain people, it shows that we have no confidence in our enforcement agencies,” he said, adding he was ready to resign over his stance if he was asked to.
Zaid, a maverick member of the ruling party, was brought into the cabinet in a March reshuffle despite his frequent criticisms on social and human rights issues.
He was given the task of reforming Malaysia’s much-criticised judiciary, a decision seen as evidence of Abdullah’s willingness to accept reforms after a general election drubbing.
However, since then the government has been accused of returning to its old ways as it tries to head off a challenge by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who says he will soon seize power.
“I joined the government because I believed there would be transformation. The government must change but reform cannot take place if it continues with the old thinking and old philosophies,” Zaid told the New Straits Times.
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Entries (RSS)
Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, you indeed had made a courageous move. Understanding that you are caught in an unusual tight spot, it is only normal when you accept the proposal of Bodowi the 2 week holiday to deliberate over your intention, an indication of loyalty and respect to PM Bodowi. Your unrelentless efforts towards reform exercise on the judiciary system are worth my respect. Unfortunately, it is extremely clear that PM Bodowi is no more in position to lead. The UMNO baboon, Ahmed Ismail’s barbarious attitude where Bodowi had to Kowtow him is one clear example how weak this PM is. Who is this Barbarian Ahmed to Bodowi ? I am sure you will agee that the only loyalty you have to maniifest will be to the people who trust and supported you. You are a self made person. You do not need UMNO crutches. You will be an extraordinary Statesman very soon if you stand firmly on your Principles. I am sure the divine forces will always be with you when you zealously adhere to your righteous believes. May God Bless you with all the necessary wisdom during this period of dilemma.
Hidup Anwar Malaysia Maju
The Malaysian New Dawn is an extremely delicate matter as many of the BN animals are threatened which require extra caution. I am sure DSAI and his team members had deliberated and iron out all these possibilities meticulously. Let us rakyat have faith in them. Let us not be affected by the corrupted government’s propaganda machinery. They have robbed us totally for the last 50 years and are now using all these resources against us the rakyat. Its ok as the Truth will always prevail. Lets be patient and wait for the new dawn. DSAI promised and I am one who take his words and support him all out and I am sure there are tens of millions of the same kind who will do the same. Let us not fall prey into these dirty traps of the BN animals. They are no more human, what more ask about their conscience. Read and re-read RPK’s May 13th crisis and imagine how dirty these MCA dogs lead by Lee Kim Sai and UMNO devils lead by Harun acted and created the racial fire that destroyed thousands of innocent lives. We have waited for 50 years. What is the difference in waiting for another 50 days or whatever, as long as the developments lead us to the New Malaysian Dawn. This will be such a small price we need to pay for the freedom we had yearned for, i.e. have patience and wait.
To DSAI & Team, do whatever needed to allow a smooth and peaceful transition of power. If Bodowi wish to be pulled down shamefully, let him have it. He Bodowi asked for it. From the day of DSAI’s release to now, we cannot deny that the changes and the speed of positive developments have been incredible. The results are plausible. The forces are with you DSAI & Team. God Bless and God Speed. Awaiting the New Dawn with extreme patience.
ALL THE BEST TO YOU DSAI
DATO WE PRAY THAT EVERYTHINGS FALL IN ITS PLACE, HOPE ALWAYS DATO BE THE WINNER OF MALAYSIA AFTER 50TH YEARS OF MERDEKA.WE ARE WITH YOU DSAI AND AND HOPE MANY OTHERS ARE WITH YOU TOO SYABAS!
I’m proud of you, ‘Dato Anwar’…….