Zaid: Sack Zulkifli

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — PKR supreme council member, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim today said the party should sack lawmaker Zulkifli Noordin, after the Kulim MP lodged a police report against a colleague from PAS over the “Allah” issue.

Zaid’s call comes amid a growing chorus of criticisms against Zulkifli from within PKR, including from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who said last night that the MP known for his hardline Islamic views had crossed the line.

“We (PKR) are a reform movement. We go by the law. Even if you disagree, it’s okay, [but] don’t lodge a police report.

“It is time for PKR to look at itself... its credibility is being affected. In my view, they must sack him. Otherwise the party will become a laughing stock,” said Zaid.

Zaid’s strong remarks and Anwar’s move to discipline Zulkifli may signal the end of the road for the Kulim MP in PKR, who has been openly hostile towards colleagues from Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

PKR de facto leader Anwar said last night that Zulkilfi will face disciplinary action by the party.

Anwar added that Zulkifli had crossed the line by lodging the report and that he was disappointed with him.

“I have always given him room to express himself but I have not always agreed with him.

“I have advised him not to cause any tension among our partners but he has crossed the line this time,” Anwar told reporters at Pakatan Rakyat’s road show here last night.

Zulkifli had lodged a police report against the PAS’ Khalid Samad for making a statement that a Selangor enactment which prohibited non-Muslims from using the word “Allah” and other Islamic terms was “outdated.”

Anwar confirmed that he has written to Zulkifli and was expecting an explanation before Tuesday.

“I have emailed him so that he will give an explanation because I want to refer this case to the party’s disciplinary committee and political bureau which will hold a meeting this Tuesday. I hope he can provide his answer before that,” he added.

Anwar also questioned why Zulkifli never referred his grievances to the party leadership.