Zahid Says No Hopping Around For Shelter

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Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi waving to reporters on Thursday.PETALING JAYA: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, pledging to clear his name in court, said this evening that he had not given thought to “hopping around in search of shelter” as practised by others before.
“The rule of law must be respected,” he said in a posting on Facebook, in an apparent response to statements from politicians urging the new prime minister not to appoint anyone facing criminal charges to the cabinet.
Zahid has been on trial on 47 charges involving criminal breach of trust, bribery and money laundering in connection with tens of millions of ringgit belonging to a foundation.
In his posting today, he reminded critics of the legal maxim “not guilty until proven” and said that as Umno president he had not succumbed to pressure, threats or conditions set by others after the 2018 general election that would destroy the party.
“Unfortunately, those who are still dissatisfied refuse to respect the principles of law,” he said.
Zahid said that his lack of public response to criticism did not mean a lack of answers but that he respected the principle of not making statements that could be in contempt of court.
Earlier today, Johor PAS information chief Rusman Kemin said that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Cabinet must not comprise those facing trial and “those with personal agendas”.
He said this was crucial to maintaining a “clean” administration. - FMT

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