Thursday April 9, 2009
I’m sorry I had to leave, says Arumugam
By EMBUN MAJID
ALOR SETAR: Former Bukit Selambau assemblyman V. Arumu-gam returned to his family yesterday after being away for two months in Mumbai, India.
Arumugam, who apologised to the people for abandoning the seat, was greeted on arrival at the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kepala Batas by his wife M. Mariaee, 36, and son A. Selan Tiran, newly-elected Bukit Selambau assemblyman S. Manikumar and state assembly speaker Datuk Dr Abdul Isa Ismail.
“I had to escape as some quarters were harassing me and my family. The police did not take action despite my lodging several reports.
“I decided to come back from Mumbai now that the by-election is over. I also wanted to see my family,” he told newsmen here yesterday.
Asked if he was sorry for letting the people down, he said he was more fearful for his life and that of his family.
Safely back home: Arumugam hugging his wife Mariaee upon arrival at the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kepala Batas on Wednesday. He had spent the last two months in Mumbai, India, after vacating the Bukit Selambau seat. Arumugam, 55, who is still a PKR member, said he was happy that Manikumar had retained the seat for the party.
“I’m still state PKR deputy chairman and Merbok PKR deputy chief. I still monitor the happenings in the state,” he said.
On his plans for the future, Arumugam, who retired as a mechanic with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, said he needed to find a job to support his family.
He said that he was willing to accept a post with the state government if Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak felt he could contribute to the state.
Later, Azizan said the state was grateful for Arumugam’s contributions, and would consider giving him a post in the state government.
“We will only offer him a post if he is still able to contribute to the state’s development. The matter will be discussed with the state exco soon.”
News Poll
- Teacher held for oral sex on Year Two girl
- Lau sought psychiatrist’s help after death of fan’s dad
- Police shoot dead leader of ‘Berong Gang’
- Australian court sentences Malaysian who posed as taxi driver
- Prime Minister comes up with plan to end crisis in MCA
- Fresh polls in six to eight months if new mechanism used
- Eli’s ex still being sought by cops
- Settle RM57, 5As pupil told High scorer can’t collect result slip
- Ong’s political secretary resigns
- Najib works his charm at Apec leaders meeting and garners top marks
- 10 states see increase in number of dengue cases
- Teacher held for oral sex on Year Two girl
- Australian court sentences Malaysian who posed as taxi driver
- AirAsia launches new flights to three Indian cities
- Take care of yourself first
- Police shoot dead leader of ‘Berong Gang’
- MACC accepts court decision
- Researcher: Faint writing seen on Shroud of Turin
- Education for the real world
- Emi is happy she can go to school
RSS
