Zaid: I want my name cleared
Roshan JasonPublished: Jun 28, 2005 9:02 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
Suspended Kota Baru Umno division head Zaid Ibrahim is unconcerned with his three-year ban for criticising the disciplinary board's finding that he was involved in money politics - but he is bent on clearing his name.
Suspended Kota Baru Umno division head Zaid Ibrahim is unconcerned with his three-year ban for criticising the disciplinary board's finding that he was involved in money politics - but he is bent on clearing his name.
"I don't care about the (one-term) suspension for indiscipline. I will not appeal it. But I have appealed the charges of money politics against me and my name must be cleared of it. I am innocent," he said when contacted this afternoon.
In April, he was found to have been involved in money politics during the run-up to the party elections last September, and was issued a warning.
Zaid, the member of parliament for Kota Bharu, then questioned the board's credibility and its jurisdiction. He further criticised the board and its decision in Parliament.
Following his public outburst, he was cited for 'contempt' and suspended from June 24 under section 20(8) of Umno's constitution.
Self-defence 'difficult'
Elaborating on this today, Zaid said he was merely questioning the process. He revealed it had been difficult to defend himself against the money politics charge when asked to do so.
"They gave me a hearing... I can't remember the exact date, but it was difficult to make my case. I don't even know where they got their information from," he said.
However, he said he would respect the board's directive and vacate his party post, as he is required to do under the ban.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported today that Zaid had met with Kelantan division leaders and members yesterday.
During the meeting, he said he was baffled over the suspension since he had already twice apologised to the board - when he faced them in April and again through a written apology as instructed.
"Despite that, I have been instructed to make a public apology for criticising them (the disciplinary board). I don't know what a public apology means. Tell me exactly what I must do and how," he was quoted as saying.
"I've already apologised but that's not enough. Now I have to do it this way instead...what is this? Don't treat me like a kid."
Zaid's name was included in the list released yesterday by the board, which also confirmed the suspension of party vice-president Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.
"I don't care about the (one-term) suspension for indiscipline. I will not appeal it. But I have appealed the charges of money politics against me and my name must be cleared of it. I am innocent," he said when contacted this afternoon.
In April, he was found to have been involved in money politics during the run-up to the party elections last September, and was issued a warning. Zaid, the member of parliament for Kota Bharu, then questioned the board's credibility and its jurisdiction. He further criticised the board and its decision in Parliament.
Following his public outburst, he was cited for 'contempt' and suspended from June 24 under section 20(8) of Umno's constitution.
Self-defence 'difficult'
Elaborating on this today, Zaid said he was merely questioning the process. He revealed it had been difficult to defend himself against the money politics charge when asked to do so.
"They gave me a hearing... I can't remember the exact date, but it was difficult to make my case. I don't even know where they got their information from," he said.
However, he said he would respect the board's directive and vacate his party post, as he is required to do under the ban.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported today that Zaid had met with Kelantan division leaders and members yesterday.
During the meeting, he said he was baffled over the suspension since he had already twice apologised to the board - when he faced them in April and again through a written apology as instructed.
"Despite that, I have been instructed to make a public apology for criticising them (the disciplinary board). I don't know what a public apology means. Tell me exactly what I must do and how," he was quoted as saying. "I've already apologised but that's not enough. Now I have to do it this way instead...what is this? Don't treat me like a kid."
Zaid's name was included in the list released yesterday by the board, which also confirmed the suspension of party vice-president Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.
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