Zaid: I'm committed to change

By Hawkeye

SUNGAI PETANI: Zaid Ibrahim remains committed to the long-term reformation of the country's political culture, describing his decision to withdraw from contesting the PKR's deputy president post as a blip in his highly charged political career.

For a man who built up the country's biggest law firm only to give it up in the name of pursuing political righteousness, the battle to change the general mindset about how politics should be conducted is still ongoing.

"There is a need to do away with the habit of personal attacks. I think for now PKR is preoccupied with its own ghosts and it has impeded the party's ability to move forward confidently. This must change. I, for one, am committed to the long-term process of change."

He said it does not matter if he wins or loses in a political contest, but what is important is convincing many about the need for a new and mature culture of conducting politics.

Transparency must prevail in all forms of elections, he said.

According to Zaid, who spoke at a wide-ranging interview here recently, PKR has to stop blaming others for its own shortcomings.

He said PKR has now reached the cross-roads on how it intends to forge ahead on its political path.

Despite its problems, Zaid said the party remains attractive and a beacon of hope to many people who want to see the Barisan Nasional-dominated political culture changed into a progressive one with civil society elements.

Election process flawed

However, PKR must also revamp its election system by ensuring that the rights of every member are protected in a democratic way, he said.

"How can we govern the country if we cannot conduct a simple and smooth party election, which is usually held on a consistent basis as part of the democratic process? This is serious. We must address it."

Zaid said politics must be about issues and not about individuals or personal attacks.

Such attacks may give an edge by sowing a negative perception about personalities, but it is counter-productive in the long term, he said.

The issues of the people should take centre-stage and PKR leaders should focus on them in their campaigns instead of indulging in personal attacks and smearing the reputation of others, he said.

The present process to elect office-bearers is flawed as allegations are mounting about the suspicious way of ballot counting and the manner in which the ballot boxes is transported, Zaid claimed.

In another development, PKR vice-president aspirant, Yusmadi Yusoff, has called on the party leaders including Zaid to close ranks even before the results of the party election is finalised.

He said all leaders should now focus on making constructive recommendations, which can benefit the party instead of hurling wild accusations, which would only allow PKR's enemies to exploit such issues.

Yusmadi hopes Zaid can now offer suggestions to better the party as PKR must be forward-looking to face the next coming general election.