Unwise to charge PKR leaders, says Zaid

The Kita president says that the decision to charge Anwar, Azmin and Badrul for a minor offence was not a good strategy nearing the polls.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kita president Zaid Ibrahim said that it was not a good idea to charge opposition leaders with the general election around the corner.

Speaking after the launch of his third book, “Ampun Tuanku: A Brief Guide to Constitutional Government” at the Royal Lake Club here today, he also said the move could backfire on Barisan Nasional.

“Besides, I think it’s just a minor offence,” said the former law minister.

This morning, PKR leaders Anwar ibrahim, Azmin Ali and Badrul Hisham Shaharin were charged at the Sessions Court under the Peaceful Assembly Act for their participation in the Bersih 3.0 rally.

If convicted, the trio could a face a fine up to RM10,000 which would disqualify elected representatives from their posts.

Meanwhile, Zaid also said it was unwise for the Kuala Lumpur Petty Traders Action Council to set up a night market outside Bersih 3.0 chairperson S Ambiga’s house come Thursday and Friday.

In his view, he said that the people must assemble for the right reasons and not just because they disliked an individual or a personality.

“You must assemble for the right reasons, for example, voicing out against soaring prices of goods.

“Besides, Ambiga is not a dangerous person,” said Zaid.

Kuala Lumpur Petty Traders Action Council chairman Jamal Md Yunus said that he would hold a night market outside Ambiga’s house on Thursday and Friday, claiming traders had lost tens of thousands in profits due to the Bersih 3.0 rally.

Jamal insisted on setting up about 60 stalls despite his permit application being rejected by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) today.