Sunday October 29, 2006
Nov 8 deadline for Zakaria
By LOONG MENG YEE
SABAK BERNAM: Klang Municipal Councillor Datuk Zakaria Md Deros has been urged to voluntarily relinquish his post by Nov 8 as a “face-saving gesture”.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said the exco had made a decision to drop Zakaria as a Klang municipal councillor but he had been advised to tender his resignation.
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DRESSING DOWN: Zakaria leaving Istana Bukit Kayangan after meeting with the Sultan of Selangor for an hour yesterday. |
“However, it is better for Zakaria to tender his resignation to the MPK chief by Nov 8,” said Dr Khir to reporters yesterday.
The deadline is the day for the next state executive councillors meeting. If Zakaria does not tender his resignation by then, the state exco would enforce the decision made to drop him as a councillor.
Zakaria, his daughter-in-law Roselinda Abdul Jamil and son Zainuri had been earlier appointed as MPK councillors. Roselinda and Zainuri will be retained.
On Zakaria’s other posts as Port Klang assemblyman and Klang Umno division chief, Dr Khir said those positions would be maintained.
“Umno has its own set of rules. Disciplinary action will only be taken if a person has committed criminal breach of trust, been jailed, or is found guilty of involvement in criminal activities.
“In Zakaria’s case, it is like civil wrong-doing. He was wrong to build the house without obtaining prior approval from the council,” said Dr Khir at his Hari Raya open house here.
On Zakaria’s meeting with the sultan yesterday, Dr Khir said the sultan was being fair in wanting a direct explanation from Zakaria regarding his “problems” instead of relying on information from the media.
He added that he had earlier met the sultan regarding the “problems” faced by Zakaria and the solution to be taken by the state exco.
Dr Khir had also briefed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi about the matter and Abdullah said he wanted leaders to have integrity.
Asked if Zakaria had indicated a desire to resign during a recent telephone conversation with Dr Khir, the Mentri Besar replied: “ We have conveyed our views to him. The ball is in his court.”
He added that no one was above the law and leaders must follow rules. However, those who have made mistakes must own up and be given a chance to redeem themselves.
“I respect Datuk Zakaria as an elder. Everybody makes mistakes either when they are young, middle-aged or old. Everybody must be given a chance to change. It is unfair if the chance is not given.
“For me, Zakaria must be given that chance. Tuanku has also given him a chance and has advised Zakaria to resign. Let this be a lesson to all,” he said.
Zakaria should show his sense of responsibility by resigning.
“It shows he has realised there were mistakes made and he is showing accountability for his actions to maintain the good name of his family,” said Dr Khir.
Asked about Zakaria’s replacement in the council, Dr Khir said the seat would be left vacant first as there were many capable candidates to choose from.
On the sultan’s comment that he had received many letters complaining about Zakaria being arrogant, Dr Khir said leaders must be humble and ready to serve the public.
He also reiterated his recent directive asking all councillors to submit reports to him about any possible flouting of laws that had been committed, take remedial actions and pay up fines within two months.
Dr Khir said he knew that “one or two councillors” had not submitted building plans for their houses under construction.
“There are no two ways about it. If they did not submit the building plans, they will be fined the maximum amount of 10 times the building plan fee,” he said.
Related Stories:
Sultan told rep to quit council post and mend ways
Councillor should heed ruler’s advice, say politicians
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