Zaid held a press conference at his home at 3pm a little while ago.
I reproduce below the text of his press release that was distributed at the press conference.
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“Effective today, I will be taking 6 months leave from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). This means that I will not be attending the political bureau meetings of the party. A letter to that effect has been delivered to the Secretary-General of the party.
I joined PKR because of my interest to try and put together a common policy platform for Pakatan Rakyat (PR). This common poicy framework for the coalition of the 3 parties, PKR, DAP and PAS respectively, are now in the final stages and I expect to submit the policy framework to the leadership of the respective parties next week.
That being said, a lot more work has to be done inunderstanding the concerns of the members and the rakyat. A lot more work still needs to be done to provide a cohesive foundation for the coalition and this involves meeting various leaders and members of the respective parties parties. With the Pakatan Rakyat Convention due to take place in December 2009, I need time to finalise the policy framework which hopefully will be approved by the leadership of the respective parties.
Lately, there have been reports of the political frictions of the PKR leadership with regards to Sabah and Sarawak and that I was in some way involved. I wish to reiterate that I am not involved in PKR leaders to meet the members, which I have accepted. Similarly, I have also been invited to meet some leaders of Sarawak in Kuching. I see no sinister motive in these invitations.
I have no interest in the internal politics of PKR, nor of any of the other parties in Pakatan Rakyat. Neither do I aspire to asume a leadership role in PKR. I made this very clear to Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim when I joined the party. I only want to be a facilitator to bring about the realization of a strong, credible and united opposition – an opposition with a strong leadership, sound common policies and structures to be a meaningful alternative to Barisan Nasional (BN). Only a strong united opposition can restore democracy in this country and can provide good policies to the people.
We must move beyond the BN bashing and sloganeering stage. Only clearly defined policies and a united leadership of Pakatan Rakyat can convinve Malaysians that we are a suitable choice for the rakyat. I hope that from my meetings, dialogues and discussions with the members of the 3 parties at all levels, the dream of a united opposition can be realized.
I also refer to the statement by the Prime Minister on 13th October, 2009 about myinvolvement in money politics when I was in UMNO.
When I was made a minister, one of the first thinngs I did was ask the then Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to investigate the findings of money politics against me by the UMNO Disciplinary Tribunal. I believe I was framed by UMNO and found the findings of the Tribunal flawed, where basic rules of evidence were ignored. I felt that a Minister should be free of such misconduct, especially when the Governmennt had committed itself to rid corruption in the country. I believe my request was acted upon by the ACA and they commenced investigations. I have not heard of the findings till today.
The Prime Minister should not take jibes at me when it suits him. He should be more interested in the truth. I therefore wish to appeal to him, tooo instrcut the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) tp complete its investigation and the findings disclosed to the public. I am prepared to face the charges if there is evidence of corrupt practice. But if I am innocent, then the Prime Minister should hold his peace and refrain from making such statements in the future”.
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I asked Zaid whether, given his statement that he would be goiing to Sabah and Sarawak notwithstanding the directive from the party top leadership to the contrary, this would not suggest a falling out between himself and the top party leadership.
Zaid said there was no falling out between himself and any in the party leadership.
I then asked Zaid if he concurred that PKR was facing a crisis of sorts in Sabahh and Sarawak and, if so, what he thought was needed to resolve the criisis.
Zaid acknowledged that PKR was facing a crisis of sorts in East Malaysia. The solution, he felt, was to let the people of Sabah and Sarawak decide for themselves on matters of their local leadership. Zaid said that this ought to apply not just in Sabah and Sarawak but anywhere else as well. Let the democratic process take its course.
This, he said, was the message he would be taking to with him to Sabah and Sarawak.
I asked whether this was a Zaid message or a PKR message.
“I will be speaking for Zaid Ibrahim”, he replied.
The People's Parliament 
KWM
October 16, 2009
Dear Haris,
You have my upmost respect, that goes for Zaid as well. Ever thoguht of the 2 of you coming together, to be the 3rd force (other than BN and PR)?
I truly believe with the both of you spearheading this 3rd force – then only then can we see a real Ketuanan Rakyat.
SpeakUp
October 16, 2009
Can we hang the trouble makers in PR? Can we please?
Peter Sng
October 16, 2009
Haris, in you haste to post this article you have made some spelling mistakes.
Peter,
Errors corrected.
Thanks for the alert
Crankshaft
October 16, 2009
It’s a shame. I think Zaid Ibrahim is the best statesman we have to date.
Pat
October 19, 2009
I have to agree with Crankshaft. He is a steady voice of reason that we so desperately need.
I worry about this 6-month sabbatical.
Why is it that when we finally find a shining star, it is so quickly shot out of existence? Please, let this not be true in his case.
francis ngu
October 16, 2009
Zaid is new to the party, but a great asset, who presence helps in improving the public profile of KeAdilan.
A mature leader, he shows statesmanship and sound judgement, in the above press release.
KeAdilan can ill-afford to let him down in the conciliatory role he is playing. He has every right to address the party faithful in Sabah and Sarawak, where he is most welcome as are other top leaders of the party.
KeAdilan member, Sarawak.
Leithaisor
October 16, 2009
Haris,
Is there a missing word in this line of your posting?
“Zaid said there was falling out between
himself and any in the party leadership.”
Leithaisor,
Correction made.
Thanks for the alert
karim
October 16, 2009
can we all get this point clear that zaid ibrahim is just an opportunistic politician just like he was before an opportunistic businessmen cum lawyer. He move from place to place, from person to person just to pursue his personal ambitions nothing more nothing less. this is the person who has milked all sort of business from his UMNO friends and businessmen in the past. now he perceives a change in thinking of the electorade for the opposition. so the opposition he goes. can we just put him in a proper perspective. just forget about him. he is not worth the leader he profess to be.
shar101
October 17, 2009
Karim,
Care to comment on this news report –
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/1/focus/21351222&sec=focus
Says a lot about him ‘quietly’ giving back to society, doesn’t it.
But you’re probably right about Zaid Ibrahim being a rolling stone of sorts. He’s searching for the right political platform whereby citizens are served by the elected, and not the other way round.
Unlike Kuli who’s still blazing away from within UMNO.
Btw ‘electorade’ should be spelled as E-L-E-C-T-O-R-A-T-E. Don’t you have spell-check on your computer? And don’t you know nobody takes a bad speller seriously?
Pat
October 19, 2009
Shar!
So here’s where you are! You’ve been missing from your blog, that’s for sure!
And spell-checking now, I see! But, you’re right, no one takes a bad speller seriously!!!
Sunshine
October 16, 2009
Whether This is some sort of wayang kulit or otherwise ,we trust that Mr Zaid will be providing a new way forward for all Democractic Inclined Malaysia. Let hope he will be a leading LIGHT In PKR .
Gan
October 16, 2009
karim October 16, 2009 at 10:58 pm … ref your observation about Zaid.
I believe Zaid of the past is a different Zaid from the present & I believe he’s sincere in his efforts to help build a credible alternative to combat BN.
Diaz
October 16, 2009
Way to go, Zaid!
PKR Admirer
October 17, 2009
I must say that from the day one, PKR was formed, I decided to become a member, hoping that there will be a party for all Malaysians regardless of races or creeds and colours. I was absolutely happy with the 308 results which made them the strongest party in the PR in terms of number of seats won, but, I have to be absolutely honest with myself that this is only temporary as among the 3 parties, DAP, PAS and PKR, I know deep inside my heart that PKR infact is the weakest in terms of members loyalty. They won because of the peoples frustrations with the many abuses and arrogance of the BN.
With Zaid’s entry into PKR, it really brought much hope and credibility to the party. Zaid Ibrahim is certainly far more acceptable to the Malaysian public then Azmin Ali. Why and how DSAI chose to restrict Zaid’s agreement to meet the grassroot supporters in East Malaysia is puzzling. Because of Azmin Ali? While I respect Azmin’s loyalty to DSAI, I disagree with his disrespect for Zaid.
I think DSAI has lost the plot and where does that put us PR supporters? To follow Azmin? That I certainly will not because he is not provened, he does not have the stature of DSAI or Zaid Ibrahim. This young turk though aggressive has got to earn his stripes and must be patient. DSAI greatest mistake is to side with him against Zaid Ibrahim. Zaid Ibrahim has tremendous respect from the Malaysian public of all races, whereas, Azmin, is more a Selangor politician. It is national against regional, and it is surprising that DSAI chose regional expertise over national experience. What can we say? If Zaid decides to leave PKR, I will be the first to follow suit. DSAI would rather let PKR on self destruct mode then to attend to the needs of the real situation. If he decides in the personal interests of his sidekick rather than the necessity to look into the whole picture at large, what chance do we laymen in Malaysia have to look forward to?
As it is PKR is the party with the most problems within the PR, yet DSAI is acting as though everything is well. Really, is DSAI capable of leading the country? He cannot even put his own house in order, can he lead the country? Despite, our endless and firm support for him, does he really care for Malaysians as a whole? The problem within PKR had surfaced eversince its formation, what happen to Syed Hussein? We have not seen or heard of him since the whopping wins by PKR in March 08?
I think if Anwar, cannot put his house in order, Zaid together with many capable Malaysians should form another multi racial party. As it is, most of the members in PKR today are mainly made up of former UMNO members, those non Malays members are for truth and transparency and Malaysia has a very young population where Zaid can tap on. We can at the very least wiped DSAI out for good, look at Perak, when he trusted his UMNO frog, two weeks later after the UMNO frog joined PR, four from PR left PR including the frog itself. It is painful indeed for Perakians to work so hard to win the State for PR, but DSAI spoiled it all. Is DSAI really relevant at all in Malaysian politics? Is he fighting for himself or the Rakyat?
while there is no doubt that DSAI is someone who can turn on the audience with his oratory skills, which is difficult to match, but when it come to being a statesmen today, I would put my money on saudara Zaid Ibrahim. I can well understand Zaid’s frustration, to be pursued relentlessly by DSAI to join PKR and to be put off so unceremoniously. It is clear now, if Zaid indeed leaves PKR, where should our votes go to, come GE13.
Like what RPK said, Anwar still thinks that running PKR today is like running a sundry shop not realizing that PKR today had become a hypermarket. But, do not forget that Hypermarkets can go bankrupt too, and can close shop without the support of its customers. An excellent example is Makro, the first Hypermarket to set shop in Malaysia. Remember its tremendous success in Shah Alam, where shoppers even had to pay to be a member to make purchases? What happened afterwards when competitions comes in and mismanagement reared its ugly head? It had to close shop too.
There is no point advising DSAI as he has a mind of his own, but, with good leaders like Zaid being sidelined and even asked not to attend meetings with grassroot supporters in East Malaysia, it is hardly acceptable. Zaid is in PKR to do a good cause and to promote PR, but the way he is being sidelined speaks volumes of the infighting in PKR. Again, Malaysian commoners, where does that put us? All said and done, saudara Zaid Ibrahim is the barometer, if he leaves PKR, it is a signal for Malaysians regardless of race and colours to leave in drove, and let them see where they stand without the support of the Rakyat! There is a very high possibility that they will be left with one Parliamentary seat in Permatang Pauh come the next GE, like in 2004.
We want to see your leadership quality DSAI, use your head and not your heart! No wonder Tengku Razaleigh chosed to critcise BN from within rather then to join PKR. Know the reason now folks?
kratos
October 18, 2009
Zaid Ibrahim ‘Idealist’? Then maybe PKR is not ‘ideal’ enough for him. He’s better off launching his own political party.
sampalee
October 17, 2009
Tuan Zaid let the kithab be your guide and have no fear of whatever evil intentions if you are true.
jesseltonite
October 17, 2009
Let’s hope this man can turn things around for PKR and Pakatan in general. That’s what PKR needs..people of strong principles.
Anwar has to be really careful in Sabah. He must understand that Sabahans think differently and their politicians have different values. Patience is the key.
Supporting Pakatan ALL THE WAY!
Shakuntala
October 17, 2009
Why are some of you trying to analize Zaid Ibrahim and coming to conclusions?
Has he no right to speak his mind, about the way things are going and the PR politicking that is being sung like a song? And is becoming such an irritant.
And there looimg in the horizon, is the BN, fine tuning its so called staying power. As Najib Razak, PM of our country, has pointed out.. he does not want to let go of his party’s power grip for the next 51 odd yearsy!!!
Not scarry???????
All this party bickering by the PR and its coalitions, without centering on the main issues, is giving the poor Ra’ayat jerks. And all this happening at a time when Civil Society is taking the trouble to champion a people-friendly and concerned Opposition.
What a load of wallop and waste of the peoples’ precious time.
Do you not want to first know what the policy framework, Zaid has taken the trouble to put together for a cohesive three party coalition,as he indicates, is all about?
Please don’t blast him off, like as if he is soley responsible.
As he says, his framework for the parties to flourish, is addressing and understanding the concerns of the members and…. the RA’AYAT.
Zaid Ibrahim, has the respect of many Malaysians for having been bold enough to leave a cage of like-minded BN monkeys.
We need people like him who have mettle and grit and ….intelligence, to put the country right.That is my regard for him.
He talks and is trying to do the relevant things… that’s some fresh air, for a change, isn’t it?
Sorry……but to love a good thing, is to realize that it might be lost.
PH Chin
October 17, 2009
I believe Datuk Zaid is the most suitable and capable person to build a strong foundation for all parties in Pakatan Rakyat for the next General Election. Without this solid foundation, PR will face the tremendous pressure from the seasoned BN onslaught.
Datuk Zaid has made the right decision to focus on building a strong foundation and not the internal issues within PKR.
May God bless you, Datuk !
Gomen
October 17, 2009
Bro,
MAY THE (3RD) FORCE BE WITH YOU.
AMEN.
Bigjoe
October 17, 2009
I have been a customer of Zaid Ibrahim for decades and those that accuse him of wanting power and secret agendas have NO CLUE WTF they are talking about. Zaid has always been a humble man about his success and those who worked with him will tell you this is a man who has no appetite for the ugly side of humanity FROM anyone..
The man does not need politics to satisfy personal needs. But he has the highest conscience to do the right thing especially for those in need.
Those in PR who want to push him away for WHATEVER REASON – ITS THEIR LOST…
kratos
October 18, 2009
He ought to be humble. If not for his BN cronies that enriched him, (as TDM himsaelf admitted) he won’t be where he is now. Then he bite the hands that fed him. Now he’s doing it again. He is humble alright.
Eric
October 17, 2009
“Only a strong united opposition can restore democracy in this country and can provide good policies to the people.”
This is why Zaid is very much needed in this country’s politics. Take the leave Zaid and come back even better.