UNDER fire for his tweet about the Selangor Sultan, DAP member Zaid Ibrahim said he was not defending Dr Mahathir Mohamad but defending the right of the people to decide on politics and governance.

“I was not defending Dr M as many thought; but upholding the simple notion in our system of government, it’s the people who make choices and pass judgements in these matters, including the desirability — or otherwise — of political personalities. 

“It’s the people, and no one else, who determine if a particular leader is qualified to be a menteri besar, or who is going to burn this country,” Zaid wrote in his blog today.

Last week, in a tweet on Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Zaid had said: “The Selangor sultan should be careful with his words. No one is immune when country burns.”

The tweet was in response to sultan’s recent interview with The Star in which the ruler said Dr Mahathir’s anger would “burn the country”.

Zaid came under fire from Umno supporters and was a target at the recent 71st Umno annual general assembly.

Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Yunos and his supporters burned two effigies of Zaid on the sidelines of the assembly in Kuala Lumpur. 

Jamal had also threatened to “hammer” Zaid’s head. He was arrested and remanded over the weekend for criminal intimidation. 

Jamal was released this afternoon on police bail.

Zaid added he expects to be called to Bukit Aman for questioning over his tweet and may be charged with sedition. 

He also wrote he received much support from the public and added his party did not reprimand him. 

“Some BN publicists and columnists capitalised on the fact that during the whole week, I did not get any support from Opposition politicians, although I think my friend Lim Lip Eng (the Member of Parliament for Segambut) was an exception.

“I don’t blame the leaders from Pakatan for their silence on this matter. In Malaysia there are ‘black holes’ or taboo subjects politicians fear to venture into, especially in an election year. It’s perfectly understandable,” he said. 

“Now I know I have many friends and supporters. I am only lacking in political allies. People sent me endless messages expressing their concern for my safety and that of my family,” he said. 

“My colleagues in DAP did not reprimand me or speak unfavourably on the subject of the controversy,” Zaid wrote. 

“They must have endured some discomfort because of me, and I understand why some of them want to stay away from trouble. For this, I appreciate them giving me the latitude to speak on subjects that I consider important,” the former law minister said.

He added “a better Malaysia can only come to fruition when leaders are not afraid to face these ‘black holes’.” – December 11, 2017.